Systems and methods for optimized cooling and simplified handling of data processing equipment

Abstract

A vessel (100) for housing a first data center (200) and for connecting to a heat exchanger (400) in use, the vessel (100) comprising an outer shell (100') defining an interior (100'') of the vessel (100) and an exterior (100''') of the vessel (100), the outer shell (100') including a first vessel inlet port (110') for receiving a flowable heat transfer fluid (600) from the heat exchanger (400) in use, and a first vessel outlet port (120') for delivering the flowable heat transfer fluid (600) to the heat exchanger (400) in use; The system comprises means (303) for holding the first data center (200) in the first position and a closed fluid flow path (110, 120, 121) fluidly connecting the first vessel inlet port (110') to the first vessel outlet port (120'), at least a portion of the closed fluid flow path (110, 120, 121) adjacent the first position such that, in use, a flowable heat transfer fluid (600) enters the vessel (100) at the first vessel inlet port (110') and extracts heat from the first data center (200) before exiting the vessel (100) at the first vessel outlet port (120').

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] [Technical field] The present invention relates to cooling of data centers, and more particularly to systems and methods for optimized cooling and simplified handling of data processing equipment.

[0002] [Background technology] A data center is a collection of computing infrastructure, including but not limited to routers, servers, switches, hard drives, and controllers. Running a large data center is an energy-intensive undertaking. Because large data centers use a lot of power to operate, the energy cost of operating them is an important consideration in the design of new data centers.

[0003] Electrical energy costs are incurred in powering the actual computer and network components of the data center so that data can be properly stored, maintained, and retrieved. Additionally, significant additional electrical energy is provided to keep the data center cool enough so that it does not overheat or fail.

[0004] Many solutions have been proposed to keep data centers sufficiently cooled in an energy efficient manner.

[0005] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0153059 A1 discloses, in one embodiment, a subsea data vessel including a plurality of server boards forming a carousel and having a heat exchange system disposed within the carousel, the heat exchange system operative to extract heat from airflow over the server boards and transfer the heat to seawater completely surrounding the subsea data vessel.

[0006] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0219311 A1 discloses systems and methods for cooling electronic devices, such as computer systems, in subterranean environments, including a containment vessel in at least partial contact with subterranean liquid or solid materials. The containment vessel may be located in a variety of subterranean environments, including boreholes, artificial excavations, underground caverns, ponds, lakes, reservoirs, oceans, and other bodies of water. The containment vessel may be located underground to allow human access for maintenance and repair. Cooling is achieved by one or more fluids circulating inside and / or outside the containment vessel, and the configuration of the electronic devices located within the containment vessel may vary.

[0007] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002 / 0173266A1 discloses a system for removing heat from a plurality of electronic assemblies, the system including: a cabinet having brackets supporting the electronic assemblies in a vertical array between first and second vertical airflow paths in the cabinet; a pedestal below the cabinet, the pedestal having an input port for receiving air from the first vertical airflow path of the cabinet, an output port for delivering air to the second vertical airflow path, a heat exchanger disposed in the airflow path extending between the input and output ports, and a fan assembly for driving air through the heat exchanger and toward the input port. The system further includes at least one airflow distribution device for establishing a predetermined airflow distribution through the electronic assemblies supported by the brackets.

[0008] Another known problem is the presence of marine life on data centers that are submerged in cooling water. Marine life is known to significantly impact the ability of data centers and their associated heat exchangers to transfer heat to the cooling water. Associated with this is the need for periodic cleaning to ensure optimal cooling. Periodic cleaning takes time and requires access to data centers that may be located in remote locations. Furthermore, data centers may experience downtime while the marine life is removed. Shorter intervals between cleanings and maintenance increase the operational costs of running the data center.

[0009] A further known problem is that the cooling equipment provided in data centers is often complex and expensive, making maintaining, servicing and replacing computing components within the data center, or replacing the entire data center itself, complex and time-consuming. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 280577 A1 discloses a pressure-compensated subsea electrical system having a housing filled with a dielectric liquid. The housing has a first housing portion and a second housing portion in pressure communication with each other. The first housing portion contains a transformer, and the second housing portion contains a power converter. The pressure-compensated subsea electrical system includes a pressure compensator arranged to compensate for pressure within the housing. The pressure compensator can compensate for pressure in both the first housing portion and the second housing portion. Swedish Patent Application Publication No. 1400472A1 discloses an arrangement for cooling electrical components of a subsea electrical system. The arrangement comprises a tank filled with a dielectric liquid. The arrangement comprises at least one electrical component disposed within the tank. The arrangement comprises a cooling surface in thermal contact with the dielectric liquid in the tank on one side of the cooling surface and with the environment surrounding the tank on the other side of the cooling surface. In operation, the dielectric fluid receives heat from the at least one electrical component, flows through the tank to the cooling surface, flows along the cooling surface to transfer heat to the environment, and flows from the cooling surface back to the tank. The cooling surface is made of aluminum. WO 2019 / 222421 A1 discloses a buoyant wave energy device comprising an open-bottom tube of a substantial length partially enclosing a first body of water that oscillates in response to wave action. The device comprises a buoy connected at the upper end of the tube and containing a second body of water of substantial mass within it. The phase difference between the oscillations of the water trapped within the tube and the oscillations of the buoy with its increased mass causes a pocket of air trapped at the top of the tube to be periodically compressed, and the compressed air is then expelled from a turbine to generate electricity.

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to ameliorate or mitigate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least to provide a useful alternative to the prior art.

[0011] This object is achieved by the features detailed in the following description and the claims that follow. [Summary of the Invention] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an enclosure for housing a first data center and for connecting, in use, to a heat exchanger, the enclosure comprising: an outer shell defining an interior of the enclosure and an exterior of the enclosure, the outer shell comprising a first enclosure inlet port for receiving, in use, a flowable heat transfer fluid from the heat exchanger, and a first enclosure outlet port for delivering, in use, the flowable heat transfer fluid to the heat exchanger; means for holding the first data center in a first position inside the enclosure; and a closed fluid flow path fluidly connecting the first enclosure inlet port to the first enclosure outlet port, at least a portion of the closed fluid flow path adjacent the first position such that, in use, the flowable heat transfer fluid may enter the enclosure at the first enclosure inlet port and extract heat from the first data center before exiting the enclosure at the first enclosure outlet port, the enclosure being configured to be at least partially immersed in water, and the outer shell being configured to prevent water from entering the enclosure. 、 the vessel further comprising means for holding a second data center at a second position inside the vessel, the outer shell further comprising a second vessel outlet port for delivering a flowable heat transfer fluid to a heat exchanger in use, a closed fluid flow path connecting the first vessel inlet port to the second vessel outlet port, at least a portion of the closed fluid flow path adjacent the second position such that in use the flowable heat transfer fluid enters the vessel at the first vessel inlet port and extracts heat from the second data center before exiting the vessel at the second vessel outlet port; The closed fluid flow paths include a first central fluid flow path directly connected to the first container inlet port, a first outer fluid flow path directly connected to the first container outlet port, and a second outer fluid flow path directly connected to the second container outlet port, wherein the portion of the first closed fluid flow path adjacent to the first position is at least a portion of the first central fluid flow path and at least a portion of the first outer fluid flow path, and the portion of the first closed fluid flow path adjacent to the second position is at least a portion of the first central fluid flow path and at least a portion of the second outer fluid flow path.

[0012] The outer shell may be rectangular in shape.

[0013] The first closed flow path may comprise a positive displacement device.

[0014] The positive displacement device may be a fluid pump.

[0015] The first container inlet port may be provided with a non-return valve.The first container outlet port may be provided with a non-return valve.

[0016] The first vessel inlet port may be configured to connect with the first heat exchanger outlet port, and the first vessel outlet port is configured to connect with the first heat exchanger inlet port.

[0017] The container may be configured to be plugged into connection with the heat exchanger in use.

[0018] The means for holding the first data center may be one or more of a shelf, a plurality of shelves, a slot, and a plurality of slots.

[0019] The first location may be offset from the outer shell, with the closed fluid flow path being at least partially disposed between the outer shell and the first location.

[0020] The second vessel inlet port may be equipped with a non-return valve.

[0021] The second vessel inlet port may be configured to connect to the heat exchanger outlet port.

[0022] The means for holding the second data center may be one or more of a shelf, a plurality of shelves, a slot, and a plurality of slots.

[0023] The second location may be offset from the outer shell, with the closed fluid flow path being at least partially disposed between the outer shell and the second location.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for cooling a data center, the system comprising: a container according to the first aspect of the present invention; a first data center held in a first position within the container; a positive displacement apparatus; and a heat exchanger comprising a first heat exchanger inlet port and a first heat exchanger outlet port, the heat exchanger being operably connected to the container such that the first heat exchanger outlet port is fluidly connected to the first container inlet port and the first heat exchanger inlet port is fluidly connected to the first container outlet port, the closed fluid flow path and the heat exchanger comprising a flowable heat exchange fluid, the positive displacement apparatus being configured to circulate the flowable heat exchange fluid between the closed flow path and the heat exchanger, and such that, in use, the flowable heat exchange fluid is able to remove heat from the first data center and transfer the heat to the heat exchanger.

[0025] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for cooling a first data center and a second data center, the system comprising a container according to the first aspect of the present invention, further comprising means for holding the second data center at a second position inside the container, the outer shell further comprising a second container outlet port for delivering a flowable heat transfer fluid to a heat exchanger in use, a closed fluid flow path connecting the first container inlet port to the second container outlet port, at least a part of the closed fluid flow path being adjacent the second position such that, in use, the flowable heat transfer fluid enters the container at the first container inlet port and extracts heat from the second data center before exiting the container at the second container outlet port. The system includes a second data center held in place; a positive displacement device; and a heat exchanger having a first heat exchanger inlet port, a second heat exchanger inlet port, and a first heat exchanger outlet port, the heat exchanger being operably connected to the container such that the first heat exchanger outlet port is fluidly connected to the first container inlet port, the first heat exchanger inlet port is fluidly connected to the first container outlet port, and the second heat exchanger inlet port is fluidly connected to the second container outlet port, the closed fluid flow path and the heat exchanger comprising a flowable heat exchange fluid, the positive displacement device being configured to circulate the flowable heat exchange fluid between the closed flow path and the heat exchanger, and to enable the flowable heat exchange fluid to remove heat from the first data center and the second data center and transfer the heat to the heat exchanger during use.

[0026] The heat exchanger may further comprise a heat exchange medium configured to remove heat from the flowing heat exchange fluid and reject the heat to a fluid surrounding the heat exchanger.

[0027] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of cooling a data center, the method comprising the steps of providing a system according to the second aspect of the present invention; supplying power to the data center and generating heat; and circulating a flowable heat exchange fluid through a closed flow path and a heat exchanger such that heat is removed from the data center and transferred to the heat exchanger.

[0028] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of cooling a data center, the method comprising the steps of providing a system according to the second or third aspect of the present invention, wherein the heat exchanger further comprises a heat exchange medium configured to remove heat from a flowable heat exchange fluid and dissipate the heat to a fluid surrounding the heat exchanger; immersing the heat exchanger in the fluid; supplying power to the data center and generating heat; circulating the flowable heat exchange fluid through a closed flow path and the heat exchanger such that heat is removed from the data center and transferred to the heat exchanger; and dissipating the heat from the heat exchanger to the fluid surrounding the heat exchanger.

[0029] The fluid in which the heat exchanger is immersed may be water. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a vessel connected to a heat exchanger. [Figure 2] 2 shows a side view of the vessel of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] 2 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the vessel of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] 1 shows a vessel handling system. [Figure 5] 1 shows a vessel handling system. [Figure 6] 1 shows a vessel handling system. [Figure 7] 1 shows a vessel handling system. [Figure 8] 1 shows a vessel handling system. [Figure 9] 1 shows a vessel handling system. [Figure 10] 1 shows a vessel handling system. [Figure 11] 1 shows an example of the configuration of a container within a structure. [Figure 12] 1 shows an example of the configuration of a container within a structure.

[0031] For clarity, some elements in some figures are not labeled with reference numbers. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are merely primary views. The relative proportions of individual elements may be altered. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] [Detailed description of the drawings] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a container 100 used to house a data center 200. FIG. 2 is a side view of the container 100 shown in FIG. 1. The data center 200 includes a plurality of computing devices 300 arranged vertically within the container 100. More specifically, in the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the devices 300 are arranged in a first vertical column 301 and a second vertical column 302 within the container 100. The computing devices 300 are arranged on shelves 303 within the container 100. It will be understood that in other examples, the computing devices 300 may be placed in slots within the container 100 or may be held within the container 100 by another holding means. The container 100 has an outer shell 100' that defines an interior 100'' of the container 100 and an exterior 100''' of the container 100. In the example described herein, the outer shell 100' is rectangular in shape to facilitate handling and stacking of the container 100. In other examples, the container 100 may have another shape.

[0033] In the example described herein, the computing devices 300 within the enclosure 100 are multiple servers and multiple network components such as routers, network switches, storage devices, and processors. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the computing devices 300 may be any collection of one or more electrically powered devices that generate heat and that must be kept cool enough to avoid overheating and / or malfunctioning. The enclosure 100 is operably attached to a heat exchanger 400, as described in more detail below.

[0034] 1, the container 100 is configured with a container central flow path 110, a container first outer flow path 120, and a container second outer flow path 121. Together with the container central flow path, the container first outer flow path 120 and the container second outer flow path 121 form a closed fluid flow path 122. The closed fluid flow path 122 is referred to as "closed" because it is not open to the outside 100''' of the container 100.

[0035] The vessel central flow path 110 is arranged between the first vertical column 301 and the second vertical column 302, while the vessel first outer flow path 120 and the vessel second outer flow path 121 are arranged between the first vertical column 301 and the outer body of the vessel 100, and between the second vertical column 302 and the outer body of the vessel 100, respectively.

[0036] Similar to the vessel 100, the heat exchanger 400 is configured with a central heat exchanger flow path 410, a first outer heat exchanger flow path 420, and a second outer heat exchanger flow path 421. The three heat exchanger flow paths 410, 420, 421 are disposed within a heat exchange medium 430 such that, in use, heat within the fluid flow of one or more of the three heat exchanger flow paths 410, 420, 421 is transferred to the heat exchange medium 430 and then from the heat exchange medium 430 to the surrounding water 500 in which the heat exchanger 400 is immersed.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1 , the heat exchanger central flow path 410 is connected to the vessel central flow path 110 at the first vessel inlet port 110′. The heat exchanger first outer flow path 420 is connected to the vessel first outer flow path 120 at the first vessel outlet port 120′. The heat exchanger second outer flow path 421 is connected to the vessel second outer flow path 121 at the second vessel outlet port 121′. With this connection, in use, the flowable heat transfer medium 600 can circulate through the closed fluid flow path 122, i.e., through the flow paths 110, 120, 121, 410, 420, and 421, passing between the vessel 100 and the heat exchanger 400. In the example described here, the connection provides open, unrestricted flow in both directions. However, in other examples, a check valve may be disposed at the connection.

[0038] In the example described herein, the vessel 100 and the heat exchanger 400 each have three fluid flow paths, but in other examples, a different number of fluid flow paths may be provided in each of the vessel 100 and the heat exchanger 400.

[0039] In one example, the vessel 100 may include only the outer flow paths 120, 121. In such a case, the flowable heat transfer medium 600 may be circulated in a first direction along the first outer flow path 120 and then in a second direction along the second outer flow path 121, thereby forming a loop in which the flowable heat transfer medium 600 circulates around the data center 200 to remove heat from the data center 200. Alternatively, in another example, the vessel 100 may include the outer flow paths 120, 121 as shown in FIG. 1 and multiple inner flow paths. The inner flow paths do not necessarily have to be centrally located within the vessel 100 as shown in FIG. 1. Instead, the multiple inner flow paths may be arranged in a spatial configuration adjacent to multiple columns of the apparatus 300. The inner flow paths may be arranged vertically as shown in FIG. 1. In some examples, the inner flow paths may be arranged horizontally. In some examples, both horizontal and vertical inner flow paths may be provided.

[0040] 1 and 2, the vessel 100 has an upper end 101 and a lower end 102. The vessel 100 is shown in an operational state in FIGS. 1 and 2 and operably connected to a heat exchanger 400. A detailed cross-sectional view of the connection between the heat exchanger 400 and the vessel 100 is shown in FIG. 3. In the example described herein, the fluid heat transfer medium 600 is air. However, it will be understood that the fluid heat transfer medium 600 may be any suitable fluid heat transfer medium, such as, but not limited to, a gas, liquid, or aerosol. The air, which serves as the fluid heat transfer medium 600, is circulated through the vessel 100 and the heat exchanger 400 by a fan 130. In the example described herein, the fan 130 is located near the lower end 102 of the vessel 100. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the fan 130 may be located anywhere along the flow path to provide a circulatory flow of the fluid heat transfer medium 600. That is, the fan 130 may be located anywhere along the flow path within the vessel 100, or may be located anywhere along the flow path within the heat exchanger 400. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that if a different flowable heat transfer medium 600, such as a liquid, is used, the fan 130 may be replaced by a pump or another positive displacement device arranged to circulate the heat transfer medium 600.

[0041] In use, heat is generated by the data center 200 and transferred to the air 600 circulated via the flow paths 110, 120, 121, 410, 420, and 421, as previously described. Still referring to FIG. 1 , heat is transferred from the first vertical column 301 to the air 600 as it passes through the vessel central flow path 110 and the vessel first outer flow path 120. Similarly, heat is transferred from the second vertical column 302 to the air 600 as it passes through the vessel central flow path 110 and the vessel second outer flow path 121. The air 600 moves from the vessel first outer flow path 120 into the heat exchanger first outer flow path 420 and from the vessel second outer flow path 121 into the heat exchanger second outer flow path 421. In the heat exchanger first outer flow path 420 and the heat exchanger second outer flow path 421, the heated air 600 loses heat to the heat exchange medium 430. The air 600 in the heat exchanger first outer flow path 420 and the heat exchanger second outer flow path 421 merge into the heat exchanger central flow path 410, where continuous heat transfer occurs from the merged flow to the heat exchange medium 430, after which the cooled flow is returned to the vessel central flow path 110. In this manner, heat from the data center 200 is transferred to the circulating heat transfer medium 600, and from the heat transfer medium 600 to the heat exchange medium 430 of the heat exchanger 400. The heat in the heat exchange medium 400 can then be transferred to the surrounding water 500 in which the heat exchanger 400 is immersed.

[0042] In some examples, not shown, the heat exchanger 400, and optionally a portion of the vessel 100, may be submerged in a sea, ocean, lake, river, reservoir, fjord, or other natural or man-made body of water. In this regard, there may be a natural or man-made flow of water across the heat exchanger 400. In some examples, there may be a propeller positioned near the heat exchanger 400 to provide a water flow across the heat exchanger 400. In another example, the water may flow naturally, for example, if the heat exchanger is located in a river. It will be appreciated that there are numerous ways in which water can flow across the heat exchanger and ensure that the heat exchanger effectively transfers heat to the surrounding water 500.

[0043] 1 and 2, only a portion of the vessel 100 is submerged in the surrounding water 500. By partially submerging the vessel 100 in water, the vessel 100 does not experience excessive buoyancy and no weights or securing means are required to keep the heat exchanger 400 submerged. In this regard, the flow paths 110, 120, 121 (which may be filled with air or another light gas, or a liquid medium) may be sized to allow the vessel 100 to be submerged such that approximately half of the vessel 100 is submerged in water when neutral buoyancy is reached without experiencing excessive buoyancy.

[0044] 4 to 10, a structure 700 is provided to hold a plurality of vessels 100 and a plurality of heat exchangers 400 as described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The structure 700 is configured to be partially immersed in the ambient water 500. That is, the structure 700 is configured to float in the ambient water 500 such that a lower portion 701 of the structure 700 is immersed in the ambient water 500 and an upper portion 702 of the structure 700 remains out of the ambient water 500.

[0045] A water intake pipe 800 with a fluid pump 801 is positioned to pump chilled water from the ambient water 500 into the internal volume 703 of the structure 700. The ambient water 500 has a water surface 501. The water intake pipe 800 is configured to transport water from a depth d below the water surface 501 to a height h above the water surface 501. The structure 700 is partially filled with water during use, as seen in FIG. 4 . Associated with this is an internal water volume 704 having a water surface 705. The containers 100 are positioned to be partially immersed in the internal water volume 704, which allows the upper portion of each container 100 to be kept dry and out of the water, usefully providing a safe and dry environment for making electrical connections (not shown) to the computer devices 300 within the containers 100. In some instances (not shown), it may be preferable to fully immerse the containers 100 in water to achieve optimal cooling. In such cases, the electrical connections may be made via waterproof connectors.

[0046] Water can be discharged from the structure 700 into the body of water 500 in which the structure 700 is suspended through a suitably positioned outlet port (not shown).

[0047] The water level 705 of the internal water volume 704 is maintained at a height h above the water level 501 of the body of water 500 in which the structure 700 is suspended, thereby creating an overpressure that causes the internal water volume 704 to flow to the outlet. Constantly pumping cold water from depth d creates a constant overpressure and a constant flow of cold water over the heat exchanger 400. It will be understood that the arrangement and method for providing a constant flow of cold cooling water to the heat exchanger 400 described herein is only one possible example. In other examples, other methods of cooling the heat exchanger 400 may be used. For example, the heat exchanger 400 may be located in a natural flow of cold water, such as a river. In another example, a turbine may propel the cold water over the heat exchanger 400.

[0048] Heat is transferred from the heat exchanger 400 to the chilled water as it passes over the heat exchanger 400. In this way, the data center 200 is indirectly cooled.

[0049] The term "indirect" is used to indicate that heat is transferred from data center 200 to heat exchange medium 430 in heat exchanger 400. The heat is then transferred from heat exchange medium 430 to chilled water passing over heat exchanger 400.

[0050] It will be appreciated that in the examples described herein, a portion of the chilled water passes over the submerged portion of the vessel 100. In this regard, the data center 200 may also be cooled by the chilling effect of the chilled water passing over the submerged portion of the vessel 100. However, it will be appreciated that in use, a dedicated heat exchanger 400 connected to the vessel 100 can efficiently remove heat from the data center 200 before transferring that heat to the chilled water.

[0051] 4, a plurality of vessels 100 are vertically arranged within an interior volume 703 within structure 700. In use, vessels 100 are positioned below work deck 706 in a submerged position.

[0052] Container handling system 900 is shown positioned on work deck 706, i.e., within the dry area of ​​interior volume 703. Container handling system 900 comprises a container handling machine 910, a skid 920, a transfer room 930, and a clean room 940. Container handling machine 910 is configured to lift and manipulate containers 100 between a normal vertical working position, i.e., a position partially submerged in water below work deck 706, and a horizontal position within container handling machine 910 on skid 920 above work deck 706, as will now be described.

[0053] To remove the container 100 from its partially submerged position below the working deck 706, the container 100 is lifted by a container handling machine 910. In this regard, the container handling machine 910 includes a container shell 911 sized and configured to receive the container 100 therein. The container shell 911 is moved over the container 100 being removed from its partially submerged position below the working deck 806, as shown in FIG. 4 . The container shell 911 includes an engagement mechanism (not shown) that mates with a corresponding engagement mechanism (not shown) on the container 100, thereby enabling the container handling machine 910 to pick up and lift the container 100 into the container shell 911.

[0054] In some examples, the container shell 911 may include, for example, a rack and pinion mechanism for engaging and lifting the container 100 into the container shell 911. It will be appreciated that the container handling machine 910 may be provided with a wide variety of mechanical, electromechanical, and / or hydraulic arrangements for lifting the container 100 into the container shell 911.

[0055] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the particular engagement mechanism between the container handler 910 and the container 100 is not critical and may be provided in a number of different ways.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 5, once the container 100 is removed from its submerged position, the container 100 is temporarily held within a container shell 911 which is moved across a skid 920 so that the container shell 911 and the container 100 held therein can be laid down from the vertical position shown in FIG. 5 to the horizontal position shown in FIG. 6.

[0057] 7, the container shell 911 can then be moved on a skid 920 to a transport chamber 930. To move the container shell 911 on the skid 920, the container handling system 900 may be provided with any suitable means for transporting the container shell 911, such as, for example, a belt or a drive train.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 8 , the container shell 911 can then leave the container 100 at least partially disposed within the transfer chamber 930. In this regard, the container shell 911 can be detached from the container 100, after which another container 100 can be subsequently operated, if desired. The transfer chamber 930 is configured to maintain a safe environment for opening of the container 100. In this regard, the transfer chamber 930 can be configured to be waterproof with respect to the internal volume 703 of the structure 700, such that opening the container 100 within the transfer chamber 930 prevents water or contaminants from the internal volume 703 from reaching sensitive components held within the container 100. In this regard, in some examples (not shown), the transfer chamber 930 can be provided with a cleaning facility for cleaning the container 100 before the container 100 is opened and the sensitive data center 200 is removed from the container 100. Additionally or alternatively, the transfer chamber 930 can be provided with sensors for monitoring the environment within the transfer chamber 930 before the container 100 is opened. Furthermore, the transfer chamber 930 may be provided with a means for adjusting the environmental conditions within the transfer chamber 930 .

[0059] Once the container 100 is opened in the transfer chamber 930, the data center 200 or components thereof can be removed and transferred to a clean room 940, as shown in FIG. 8 . Between the transfer chamber 930 and the clean room 940 is a hatch 941 that can be opened to accommodate transfer of the data center 200 from the transfer chamber 930 to the clean room 940. Once the data center 200 is inside the clean room 940, the hatch 941 is reclosed to maintain a clean and controlled environment within the clean room 940, within which service and maintenance of sensitive electronic equipment can be performed. In this regard, the clean room 940 may be equipped with sensors and equipment for monitoring and adjusting the environment within the clean room 940. For example, it may be desirable to maintain a particular humidity level within the clean room 940 to prevent damage or deterioration of the data center 200. To this end, the clean room 940 may be equipped with one or more humidity sensors and means for adjusting the humidity within the clean room 940, for example, if the humidity is too high or too low.

[0060] Within clean room 940, service and maintenance of data center 200 may be performed. Maintenance may be performed by remotely operated machines or robots or may be otherwise automated. Alternatively, clean room 940 may provide access to data center 200 so that technicians can manually perform maintenance on data center 200. Once service and maintenance is performed, hatch 941 can be reopened and data center 200 can be returned to vessel 100 within vessel shell 911, as shown in FIG. 10 . Vessel shell 911 can then be used to return vessel 100 to a submerged position below work deck 706.

[0061] 4-10 , in the exemplary method for servicing and maintaining data center 200, heat exchanger 400 is lifted to work deck 706 along with vessel 100. Heat exchanger 400 may need to be serviced and maintained, and it would be advantageous to be able to remove heat exchanger 400 from the water while lifting vessel 100. Heat exchanger 400 may need to be cleaned of marine life, which can be done on work deck 706, for example.

[0062] In another example, the heat exchanger 400 may be removed from the vessel 100 when the vessel 100 is lifted from below the deck 706. The connection between the heat exchanger 400 and the vessel 100 described above may be a self-sealing connection such that when the vessel 100 is separated from the heat exchanger 400, the flow paths 110, 120, 121 in the vessel 100 are automatically sealed and the flow paths 410, 420, 421 in the heat exchanger 400 are automatically sealed, thereby maintaining the fluid heat transfer medium 600 within the vessel 100 and the heat exchanger 400 and preventing leakage of the heat transfer medium 600. In some examples, the connection between the heat exchanger 400 and the container 100 may be a plug-in connection that allows the container 100 to be lowered onto the heat exchanger 400, inserted into the heat exchanger 400, and reconnected the flow paths 110, 120, 121 in the container 100 to the flow paths 410, 420, 421 in the heat exchanger 400.

[0063] In some instances, it may be advantageous to provide for separation of the vessel 100 from the heat exchanger 400 when the vessel 100 is lifted from partial immersion. For example, if the vessel 100 is to be transported to another location for service or maintenance of the data center 200 or for service or maintenance of the vessel 100, it may be advantageous to leave the heat exchanger 400 submerged within the structure 700 in preparation for connection with a new vessel 100.

[0064] Providing the heat exchanger 400 and vessel 100 in a modular manner reduces shipping and handling costs when only the vessel 100 needs to be shipped.

[0065] Although structure 700 is shown only in two dimensions in Figures 4-10, it may be provided in a number of different shapes. For example, structure 700 may, in some instances, be a hexagonal prism, as shown in the cross-sectional view of structure 700 in Figure 11 and the top view of structure 700 in Figure 12.

[0066] In some examples (not shown), multiple structures 700 may be provided with mechanical connections between the structures 700. In this regard, multiple structures 700 may be configured to be connected to one another in a modular manner.

[0067] In some examples, structure 700 may comprise an opaque surface such that light cannot penetrate portions of structure 700. In this regard, light may be prevented from reaching vessel 100 and / or heat exchanger 400, which may further inhibit the growth of marine life on vessel 100 and / or heat exchanger 400, for example. In some examples, structure 700 may be entirely opaque.

[0068] Structure 700 may be connected to or part of a larger vessel, such as a boat or ship, an offshore platform, or a floating structure. In some examples, structure 700 may itself be a ship or boat with vessel 100 located within its hull.

[0069] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are illustrative rather than limiting of the present invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed in parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claim. Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0070] The mere fact that different measures are recited in different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0071] [item] Item 1. A container (100) for housing a first data center (200) and for connecting to a heat exchanger (400) in use, the container (100) comprising an outer shell (100') defining an interior (100'') of the container (100) and an exterior (100''') of the container (100), the outer shell (100') comprising a first container inlet port (110') for receiving a flowable heat transfer fluid (600) from the heat exchanger (400) in use, and a first container outlet port (120') for delivering the flowable heat transfer fluid (600) to the heat exchanger (400) in use; a closed fluid flow path (122) fluidly connecting the first vessel inlet port (110') to the first vessel outlet port (120'), at least a portion of the closed fluid flow path (122) being adjacent to the first location such that, in use, a flowable heat transfer fluid (600) enters the vessel (100) at the first vessel inlet port (110') and extracts heat from the first data center (200) before exiting the vessel (100) at the first vessel outlet port (120'), The container (100) is configured to be at least partially submerged in water, the outer shell (100') is configured to prevent water from entering the container (100), the container (100) further comprising means for holding a second data center in a second position inside the container (100), the outer shell (100') further comprising a second container outlet port (121') for delivering the flowable heat transfer fluid (600) to the heat exchanger (400) in use, the closed fluid flow path (122) connecting the first container inlet port (110') to the second container outlet port (121'). a first central fluid flow path (110) directly connected to the first vessel inlet port (110'), a first outer fluid flow path (120) directly connected to the first vessel outlet port (120'), and at least a portion of the closed fluid flow path (122) adjacent to the second location such that, in use, a flowable heat transfer fluid (600) enters the vessel (100) at the first vessel inlet port (110') and extracts heat from the second data center before exiting the vessel (100) at the second vessel outlet port (121'), the closed fluid flow path (122) comprising: a first central fluid flow path (110) directly connected to the first vessel inlet port (110'); a first outer fluid flow path (120) directly connected to the first vessel outlet port (120');and a second outer fluid flow path (121) directly connected to the second vessel outlet port (121'), wherein the portion of the first closed fluid flow path (110, 120, 121) adjacent to the first location is at least a portion of the first central fluid flow path (110) and at least a portion of the first outer fluid flow path (120), and the portion of the first closed fluid flow path (110, 120, 121) adjacent to the second location is at least a portion of the first central fluid flow path (110) and at least a portion of the second outer fluid flow path (121).

[0072] Item 2. The container (100) according to item 1, wherein the outer shell (100') is rectangular parallelepiped shaped.

[0073] Item 3. The container (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first closed flow path (110, 120, 121) comprises a positive displacement device (130).

[0074] Item 4. The container (100) according to item 3, wherein the positive displacement device is a fluid pump.

[0075] Item 5. A container (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first container inlet port (110') is provided with a non-return valve and / or the first container outlet port (120') is provided with a non-return valve.

[0076] Item 6. The vessel (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first vessel inlet port (110') is configured to connect to a first heat exchanger outlet port, and the first vessel outlet port (120') is configured to connect to a first heat exchanger inlet port.

[0077] Item 7. The container (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the container (100) is configured to be plugged into a heat exchanger (400) in use.

[0078] Item 8. A container (100) according to any preceding item, wherein the means for holding the first data center (200) is one or more of a shelf, a plurality of shelves, a slot, and a plurality of slots.

[0079] Item 9. A container (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first position is offset from the outer shell (100'), and the closed fluid flow path (122) is at least partially disposed between the outer shell (100') and the first position.

[0080] Item 10. The container (100) of any preceding item, wherein the second container inlet port is equipped with a non-return valve.

[0081] Item 11. The vessel (100) of any preceding item, wherein the second vessel inlet port is configured to connect to a heat exchanger outlet port.

[0082] Item 12. The container (100) of any preceding item, wherein the means for holding the second data center is one or more of a shelf, multiple shelves, a slot, and multiple slots.

[0083] Item 13. A container (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the second position is offset from the outer shell (100'), and the closed fluid flow path (122) is at least partially disposed between the outer shell (100') and the second position.

[0084] Item 14. A system for cooling a data center (200), comprising: a container (100) according to any one of items 1 to 13; a first data center (200) held in the first position within the container (100); a positive displacement device (130); and a heat exchanger (400) having a first heat exchanger inlet port and a first heat exchanger outlet port, the heat exchanger (400) being operably connected to the container (100) such that the first heat exchanger outlet port is fluidly connected to the first container inlet port (110') and the first heat exchanger inlet port is fluidly connected to the first container outlet port (120'); The closed fluid flow path (122) and the heat exchanger (400) comprise a flowing heat exchange fluid (600), and the positive displacement device (130) is configured to circulate the flowing heat exchange fluid (600) between the closed fluid flow path (122) and the heat exchanger (400), such that, in use, the flowing heat exchange fluid (600) removes heat from the first data center (200) and transfers the heat to the heat exchanger (400).

[0085] Item 15. A system for cooling a first data center (200) and a second data center, comprising: a vessel (100) according to any one of items 1 to 13; a first data center (200) held in the first position within the vessel (100); a second data center held in the second position within the vessel (100); a positive displacement device (130); and a heat exchanger (400) having a first heat exchanger inlet port, a second heat exchanger inlet port, and a first heat exchanger outlet port, wherein the first heat exchanger outlet port is fluidly connected to the first vessel inlet port (110′), and the first heat exchanger inlet port is fluidly connected to the first vessel outlet port (110′). a closed fluid flow path (122) and the heat exchanger (400) comprising a flowable heat exchange fluid (600), and the positive displacement device (130) is configured to circulate the flowable heat exchange fluid (600) between the closed fluid flow path (122) and the heat exchanger (400), and to enable the flowable heat exchange fluid (600) to remove heat from the first data center (200) and the second data center and transfer the heat to the heat exchanger (400) during use.

[0086] Item 16. The system described in Item 14 or Item 15, wherein the heat exchanger (400) further includes a heat exchange medium (430) configured to remove heat from the flowing heat exchange fluid (600) and dissipate the heat to a fluid (500) surrounding the heat exchanger (400).

[0087] Item 17. A method of cooling a data center (200), comprising the steps of providing the system described in Item 14; supplying power to the data center (200) and generating heat; and circulating the flowable heat exchange fluid (600) through the closed flow path (122) and the heat exchanger (400) so that heat is removed from the data center (200) and transferred to the heat exchanger (400).

[0088] Item 18. A method of cooling a data center (200), comprising the steps of providing the system described in Item 16; immersing the heat exchanger (400) in a fluid (500); supplying power to the data center (200) to generate heat; circulating the flowing heat exchange fluid (600) through the closed flow path (122) and the heat exchanger (400) so that heat is removed from the data center (200) and transferred to the heat exchanger (400); and dissipating heat from the heat exchanger (400) into the fluid (500) surrounding the heat exchanger (400).

[0089] Item 19. The method of item 18, wherein the fluid (500) immersed in the heat exchanger (400) is water.

Claims

1. a container for housing a first data center and for connecting, in use, to a heat exchanger, an outer shell defining an interior of the container and an exterior of the container, a first vessel inlet port for receiving a flowable heat transfer fluid from the heat exchanger in use; an outer shell having a first vessel outlet port for delivering said flowable heat transfer fluid to said heat exchanger in use; means for holding a first data center in a first position inside the container; a closed fluid flow path fluidly connecting the first container inlet port to the first container outlet port; at least a portion of the closed fluid flow path is adjacent the first location such that, in use, a flowable heat transfer fluid enters the vessel at the first vessel inlet port and extracts heat from the first data center before exiting the vessel at the first vessel outlet port; the container is configured to be at least partially immersed in water, and the outer shell is configured to prevent water from entering the container; the vessel further comprising means for holding a second data center in a second position inside the vessel, the outer shell further comprising a second vessel outlet port for delivering the flowable heat transfer fluid to the heat exchanger in use; the closed fluid flow path connects the first vessel inlet port to the second vessel outlet port; at least a portion of the closed fluid flow path is adjacent the second location such that, in use, a flowable heat transfer fluid enters the vessel at the first vessel inlet port and extracts heat from the second data center before exiting the vessel at the second vessel outlet port; The closed fluid flow path is a first central fluid flow path directly connected to the first vessel inlet port; a first outer fluid flow path directly connected to the first vessel outlet port; a second outer fluid flow path directly connected to the second vessel outlet port; the portion of the first closed fluid flow path adjacent the first location is at least a portion of the first central fluid flow path and at least a portion of the first outer fluid flow path; the portion of the first closed fluid flow path adjacent the second location is at least a portion of the first central fluid flow path and at least a portion of the second outer fluid flow path.

2. A container as described in claim 1, wherein the outer shell is rectangular in shape.

3. The container of claim 1 , wherein the first closed flow path comprises a positive displacement device.

4. A container as described in claim 3, wherein the volumetric device is a fluid pump.

5. 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the first container inlet port is equipped with a non-return valve and / or the first container outlet port is equipped with a non-return valve.

6. 10. The vessel of claim 1, wherein the first vessel inlet port is configured to connect to a first heat exchanger outlet port and the first vessel outlet port is configured to connect to a first heat exchanger inlet port.

7. The container of claim 1 , wherein the container is configured for plug-in connection to a heat exchanger in use.

8. The container described in claim 1, wherein the means for holding the first data center is one or more of a single shelf, multiple shelves, a single slot, and multiple slots.

9. 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the first location is offset from the outer shell, and the closed fluid flow path is at least partially disposed between the outer shell and the first location.

10. 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the second container inlet port comprises a check valve.

11. The vessel of claim 1 , wherein the second vessel inlet port is configured to connect to a heat exchanger outlet port.

12. The container described in claim 1, wherein the means for holding the second data center is one or more of a single shelf, multiple shelves, a single slot, and multiple slots.

13. 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the second location is offset from the outer shell, and the closed fluid flow path is at least partially disposed between the outer shell and the second location.

14. 1. A system for cooling a data center, comprising: A container according to any one of claims 1 to 13; a first data center held in the first position within the container; a positive displacement device; a heat exchanger having a first heat exchanger inlet port and a first heat exchanger outlet port; the heat exchanger is operably connected to the vessel such that the first heat exchanger outlet port is fluidly connected to the first vessel inlet port and the first heat exchanger inlet port is fluidly connected to the first vessel outlet port; the closed fluid flow path and the heat exchanger comprise a flowing heat exchange fluid; the positive displacement device is configured to circulate the flowing heat exchange fluid between the closed flow path and the heat exchanger, allowing the flowing heat exchange fluid to remove heat from the first data center and transfer the heat to the heat exchanger, in use.

15. 1. A system for cooling a first data center and a second data center, comprising: A container according to any one of claims 1 to 13; a first data center held in the first position within the container; a second data center held in the second position within the container; and a positive displacement device; a heat exchanger having a first heat exchanger inlet port, a second heat exchanger inlet port, and a first heat exchanger outlet port; the heat exchanger is operably connected to the vessel such that the first heat exchanger outlet port is fluidly connected to the first vessel inlet port, the first heat exchanger inlet port is fluidly connected to the first vessel outlet port, and the second heat exchanger inlet port is fluidly connected to the second vessel outlet port; the closed fluid flow path and the heat exchanger comprise a flowing heat exchange fluid; the positive displacement device is configured to circulate the flowing heat exchange fluid between the closed flow path and the heat exchanger, allowing, in use, the flowing heat exchange fluid to remove heat from the first data center and the second data center and transfer the heat to the heat exchanger.

16. The system of claim 14 , wherein the heat exchanger further comprises a heat exchange medium configured to remove heat from the flowing heat exchange fluid and reject heat to a fluid surrounding the heat exchanger.

17. 1. A method of cooling a data center, comprising: Providing a system according to claim 14; providing power to the data center and generating heat; circulating the flowable heat exchange fluid through the closed flow path and the heat exchanger such that heat is removed from the data center and transferred to the heat exchanger.

18. 1. A method of cooling a data center, comprising: Providing a system according to claim 16; immersing the heat exchanger in a fluid; providing power to the data center and generating heat; circulating the flowable heat exchange fluid through the closed flow path and the heat exchanger such that heat is removed from the data center and transferred to the heat exchanger; and transferring heat from the heat exchanger to the fluid surrounding the heat exchanger.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the fluid immersed in the heat exchanger is water.

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