Pump systems, refrigerant circulation equipment and control equipment

Abstract

The pump system of the first aspect of the present invention includes a housing, multiple pumps, and a control unit. The housing has an opening and a flow path for fluid. The multiple pumps can be inserted and removed relative to the housing through the opening and are connected to the flow path by being mounted on the housing. During the operation of the first pump, which is part of the multiple pumps, the control unit, upon identifying that a second pump other than the first pump is connected to the flow path, stops the operation of the first pump for a specific period of time. During the specific period of time, the control unit controls the power supply to the second pump.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to pump systems, refrigerant circulation equipment, and control equipment. Prior Technology

[0002] In a refrigerant circulation device (hereinafter also referred to as a "CDU") in the background art, multiple pumps are connected in parallel with the refrigerant flow path. Each of the multiple pumps can be inserted into or removed from the housing of the CDU. According to this structure, in the CDU, while some pumps are in operation (i.e., in the refrigerant circulation state), other pumps can be inserted or removed relative to the housing (see Patent Document 1 below: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 059922). Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, in the prior art CDU, since multiple pumps are connected in parallel on the flow path, refrigerant may flow backward. Specifically, in a CDU with refrigerant in circulation, when the pump is installed in the housing, the refrigerant circulating inside the housing may flow backward into the installed pump.

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a technology that can prevent refrigerant backflow.

[0005] The pump system of a first aspect of the present invention includes a housing, a plurality of pumps, and a control unit. The housing has an opening and a fluid flow path. The plurality of pumps are pluggable through the opening relative to the housing and connected to the flow path by being mounted on the housing. During operation of a first pump, which is part of the plurality of pumps, the control unit, upon identifying that a second pump (other than the first pump) is connected to the flow path, stops the operation of the first pump for a specific period of time. During this specific period of time, the control unit controls the supply of power to the second pump.

[0006] The refrigerant circulation device of the second aspect of the present invention includes the above-described pump system. The fluid is a refrigerant.

[0007] The present invention provides a third-party directional control device capable of controlling multiple pumps. The multiple pumps are pluggable through openings relative to a housing, and are connected to a flow path of fluid disposed within the housing by being mounted thereon. The control device includes a stop control unit and a power supply control unit. During the operation of a first pump, which is part of the multiple pumps, the stop control unit, upon identifying that a second pump (other than the first pump) is connected to the flow path, stops the operation of the first pump for a specific period of time. During this specific period, the power supply control unit controls the supply of power to the second pump.

[0008] According to the present invention, a technology is provided that can prevent refrigerant backflow. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0009] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the structure of the cooling system 100. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the CDU1 and pump system 13 of the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing pumps 19a and 19b inserted or removed relative to housing 11. Figure 4 is a timing diagram showing the operation of CDU1 and pump system 13 as shown in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the CDU1 and pump system 13 shown in Figure 2. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the problem and effect of the CDU1 and pump system 13 shown in Figure 2. Figure 7 is a block diagram of the CDU1 and pump system 13 according to the second embodiment. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the main parts of the CDU1 and pump system 13 in the second embodiment. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the periphery of the power supply unit 16 shown in Figure 7. Figure 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the main parts of the CDU1 and pump system 13 of the second embodiment. Implementation

[0010] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same or equivalent parts are labeled with the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0011] [Cooling System 100]

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the cooling system 100 comprises a refrigerant circulation device (hereinafter also referred to as "CDU") 1, a distribution manifold 2, a collection manifold 3, at least one cold plate 4, a cooling device 6, and flow paths 7 and 8. Through these components, at least one heat source 5 disposed in the space A01 is cooled.

[0013] Alternatively, if the cooling system 100 has a cold plate 4, the cooling system 100 may not have a distribution manifold 2 and a collection manifold 3.

[0014] The components include CDU1, distribution manifold 2, collection manifold 3, and multiple cold plates 4, all housed in space A01. Space A01 is, for example, a server room.

[0015] [Heat source 5, rack 9]

[0016] A rack 9 is installed in space A01. Multiple heat sources 5 are housed within the rack 9. Typically, each heat source 5 is an electronic component or electronic device. The electronic component is a part that constitutes an electronic device, such as a central processing unit (CPU), electrolytic capacitors, power semiconductor modules, or printed circuit boards. The electronic component operates and generates heat through power supply. The electronic device is a rack-mount server or a blade server. The electronic device can also be a projector, a personal computer, or a monitor.

[0017] [CDU1]

[0018] CDU1 can be marketed as a component of cooling system 100. When marketed as cooling system 100, cooling device 6 and flow paths 7 and 8 can also be removed from cooling system 100. CDU1 can also be marketed independently. In the first embodiment, CDU1 is housed in rack 9 during use, for example. However, it is not limited to this; CDU1 can also be installed outside rack 9 during use.

[0019] CDU1 includes a housing 11. The housing 11 includes an outer casing and a frame, and the outer casing separates the internal space of CDU1 from the external space of CDU1. The housing 11 has a primary inlet 11a, a primary outlet 11b, a secondary inlet 11c, and a secondary outlet 11d on the outer casing.

[0020] Low-temperature primary refrigerant C1 flows into primary inlet 11a through flow path 7. High-temperature secondary refrigerant C2 flows into secondary inlet 11c from collection manifold 3. Heat exchange occurs between the primary refrigerant C1 (low temperature) flowing into CDU1 from primary inlet 11a and the secondary refrigerant C2 (high temperature) flowing into CDU1 from secondary inlet 11c via heat exchanger 12 (see Figure 2). Thus, within CDU1, the heat energy of the primary refrigerant C1 moves to the secondary refrigerant C2. Specifically, the temperature of the secondary refrigerant C2 is lower when it flows out of CDU1 than when it flows into CDU1. CDU1 is pumped from secondary outlet 11d towards distribution manifold 2 by pump system 13 (see Figure 2) to become low-temperature secondary refrigerant C2. CDU1, now high-temperature primary refrigerant C1, is then discharged from primary outlet 11b to flow path 8.

[0021] [Primary refrigerant C1, secondary refrigerant C2]

[0022] The primary refrigerant C1 is, for example, a fluid such as a coolant. Examples of coolants include antifreeze or pure water. Typical examples of antifreeze are aqueous solutions of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. The secondary refrigerant C2 is a fluid that may be the same as or different from the primary refrigerant C1. Furthermore, at least one of the primary refrigerant C1 and the secondary refrigerant C2 may also be a gaseous refrigerant. Additionally, the secondary refrigerant C2 is an example of the "fluid" or "refrigerant" of this invention.

[0023] [Distribution Manifold 2]

[0024] In Figure 1, the distribution manifold 2 has a common flow path 21 and multiple individual flow paths 22. For ease of explanation, only two individual flow paths 22 are shown in Figure 1. Fluid can flow in the common flow path 21 and each individual flow path 22. One end T21 of the common flow path 21 is connected to the secondary outlet 11d and serves as the inlet for fluid in the distribution manifold 2. One end T22a of each individual flow path 22 is connected to the common flow path 21. The other end T22b of each individual flow path 22 serves as the outlet for secondary refrigerant C2 in the distribution manifold 2 and is connected to the inlet 41 of the cold plate 4. Therefore, the secondary refrigerant C2 (low temperature) flowing into the inlet (i.e., one end T21) of the distribution manifold 2 first flows within the common flow path 21, then branches into each individual flow path 22, and finally flows out from each outlet (i.e., the other end T22b) of the distribution manifold 2.

[0025] Furthermore, in each embodiment, unless there is a statement that adds further explanation about "connection", the term "connection" means "the fluid can be connected in a flowable manner".

[0026] [Cold Plate 4]

[0027] In Figure 1, each cold plate 4 is in thermal contact with at least one heat source 5. Secondary refrigerant C2 (low temperature) flows inside each cold plate 4. Specifically, each cold plate 4 is configured to be in direct thermal contact with the heat source 5. Each cold plate 4 may also be configured to be in thermal contact with the heat source 5, for example, via a heat-conducting plate (not shown). That is, the term "thermal contact" includes both the meaning of "direct thermal contact" and the meaning of "indirect thermal contact."

[0028] Each cold plate 4 has an inlet 41, an outlet 42, and an internal flow path 43 for secondary refrigerant C2. The internal flow path 43 connects the inlet 41 and the outlet 42. Secondary refrigerant C2 (low temperature) flows into the inlet 41 from a separate flow path 22 connected to the inlet 41. The secondary refrigerant C2 flows to the outlet 42 within the internal flow path 43. Therefore, the heat energy generated by the heat source 5 moves to the secondary refrigerant C2 flowing in the internal flow path 43 of the cold plate 4, which is in thermal contact with the heat source 5. As a result, the heat source 5 is cooled, and the temperature of the secondary refrigerant C2 rises. The secondary refrigerant C2 (high temperature) flows out from the outlet 42 to the separate flow path 31 of the collection manifold 3.

[0029] [Collect Manifold 3]

[0030] In Figure 1, the collection manifold 3 has multiple individual flow paths 31 and a common flow path 32. Additionally, for ease of explanation, two individual flow paths 31 are shown in Figure 1. Fluid can flow in each individual flow path 31 and the common flow path 32. One end T31a of each individual flow path 31 serves as the inlet for the fluid in the collection manifold 3 and is connected to the outlet 42. The other end T31b of each individual flow path 31 is connected to the common flow path 32. One end T32 of the common flow path 32 serves as the outlet for the fluid in the collection manifold 3 and is connected to the secondary inlet 11c. Therefore, the secondary refrigerant C2 flowing from the cold plate 4 into each inlet (i.e., one end T31a) of the collection manifold 3 merges in the common flow path 32 and flows out from one end of the collection manifold (i.e., one end T32) to the secondary inlet 11c of the CDU1. Therefore, the secondary refrigerant C2 circulates in CDU1, distribution manifold 2, cold plate 4, and collection manifold 3 in the order described above.

[0031] [Cooling Equipment 6]

[0032] In Figure 1, the cooling device 6 is, for example, located outside space A01. Alternatively, the cooling device 6 can be located either indoors or outdoors. The cooling device 6 is, for example, a cooler or a cooling tower. The cooling device 6 includes an inlet 61 and an outlet 62 for primary refrigerant C1, an internal flow path 63, a cooling section 64, and a pump 65. The internal flow path 63 connects the inlet 61 and the outlet 62. The cooling section 64 and the pump 65 are respectively inserted into the internal flow path 63.

[0033] The primary refrigerant C1 flowing into the inlet 61 flows through the flow path into the cooling section 64. The cooling section 64 cools the primary refrigerant C1 flowing into it. The cooling method in the cooling section 64 can be either air cooling or water cooling. The primary refrigerant C1 flowing out of the cooling section 64 flows through the internal flow path 63 into the pump 65. The pump 65 pressurizes the primary refrigerant C1 flowing into it toward the outlet 62. In Figure 1, the pump 65 is located between the cooling section 64 and the outlet 62 in the internal flow path 63. However, it is not limited to this; the pump 65 can also be located between the inlet 61 and the cooling section 64 in the internal flow path 63.

[0034] [Detailed Structure of CDU1 (First Embodiment)]

[0035] In Figure 2, in addition to the housing 11, the CDU1 also includes a heat exchanger 12 and a pump system 13. Furthermore, the housing 11 can also be understood as the structure of the pump system 13.

[0036] [Heat Exchanger 12]

[0037] The heat exchanger 12 is, for example, a plate heat exchanger, mounted on a frame or the like of the housing 11. The heat exchanger 12 includes: multiple heat transfer plates (i.e., a stack of heat transfer plates) 12a stacked in the same direction; an inlet 12b, an outlet 12c, and a flow path 12d for the primary refrigerant C1; and an inlet 12e, an outlet 12f, and a flow path 12g for the secondary refrigerant C2. Therefore, flow paths 12d and 12g are arranged within the housing 11.

[0038] In addition, in various embodiments, the term "installation" refers to "fixing an object in a specific location".

[0039] Inlet ports 12b and 12e and outlet ports 12c and 12f are located at one end of, for example, the laminate 12a. Additionally, a flow path 12d is formed in the laminate 12a, allowing primary refrigerant C1 to flow from inlet port 12b to outlet port 12c. A flow path 12g is formed in the laminate 12a, allowing secondary refrigerant C2 to flow from inlet port 12e to outlet port 12f.

[0040] Primary refrigerant C1 flows from inlet 12b into flow path 12d within the laminate 12a, and then flows towards outlet 12c within flow path 12d within the laminate 12a. Secondary refrigerant C2 flows from inlet 12e into flow path 12g within the laminate 12a, and then flows towards outlet 12f within flow path 12g within the laminate 12a.

[0041] Furthermore, within the laminate 12a, the high-temperature secondary refrigerant C2 and the low-temperature primary refrigerant C1 flow in flow paths 12d and 12g in a physically isolated state. Each heat transfer plate constituting the laminate 12a is made of a material with low thermal resistance. Therefore, heat exchange occurs between the primary refrigerant C1 (low temperature) and the secondary refrigerant C2 (high temperature) within the laminate 12a. That is, the heat exchanger 12 performs heat exchange between the primary refrigerant C1 and the secondary refrigerant C2. As a result of this heat exchange, the heat energy of the secondary refrigerant C2 moves towards the primary refrigerant C1. In other words, the temperature of the secondary refrigerant C2 is lower when it flows out of the outlet 12f than when it flows into the inlet 12e.

[0042] [Pump System 13]

[0043] In addition to the housing 11, the pump system 13 also includes a primary flow path 14, a secondary flow path 15, a power supply unit 16, an operation display unit 17, a main control unit 18, pumps 19a and 19b, and transmission paths 23 and 24. Pumps 19a and 19b are examples of the "multiple pumps" of the present invention.

[0044] [Primary flow path 14]

[0045] The primary flow path 14 is installed inside the housing 11. The primary flow path 14 is the piping for the primary refrigerant C1 in CDU1. The primary flow path 14 mainly consists of pipes 14a and 14b, the aforementioned inlet 12b, flow path 12d, and outlet 12c.

[0046] Pipe 14a connects primary flow inlet 11a and inlet 12b. Pipe 14b connects outlet 12c and primary flow outlet 11b. In addition to pipes 14a and 14b, the primary flow path 14 may also include fittings or valves.

[0047] [Secondary flow path 15]

[0048] A secondary flow path 15 is provided in the housing 11 and pumps 19a and 19b. That is, the housing 11 has a secondary flow path 15. The secondary flow path 15 is an example of the "fluid flow path" of the present invention. The secondary flow path 15 is the piping for the secondary refrigerant C2 in CDU1. The secondary flow path 15 is mainly composed of pipes 15a to 15k, tee fittings 15A and 15B, coupling sockets 15C to 15F, coupling plugs 15G to 15J, pump stators 15K and 15L, the aforementioned inlet 12e, flow path 12g, and outlet 12f.

[0049] Each tee connector 15A and 15B has a first connection interface, a second connection interface, and a third connection interface. In each tee connector 15A and 15B, the first connection interface, the second connection interface, and the third connection interface are connected in a manner that allows fluid to flow between them through a flow path.

[0050] In the first embodiment, the coupling is a connector for connecting pipes. The sockets 15C-15F are, for example, of the same specification. The plugs 15G-15J are, for example, of the same specification. The sockets 15C-15F are detachably connected to the plugs 15G-15J. Each socket 15C-15F has a valve that opens when the plug 15G-15J is installed. Each valve closes when the plug 15G-15J is detached from the respective socket 15C-15F.

[0051] [Pumps 19a, 19b]

[0052] Pumps 19a and 19b can also be connected to secondary flow path 15. Figure 2 shows two pumps, 19a and 19b. However, the number of pumps can be multiple.

[0053] As constituent elements, pump 19a includes: plugs 15G and 15H; pipes 15d and 15e; pump stator 15K; pump control unit 191a; and pump rotor and pump motor (not shown). Pump stator 15K has an inlet, an outlet, and a chamber (not shown). In pump 19a, the pump rotor is supported within the chamber. The pump rotor can rotate under the control of pump control unit 191a via the driving force generated by the pump motor. As the pump rotor rotates, fluid flows into the chamber from the inlet of pump stator 15K and is pumped out from the outlet of pump stator 15K.

[0054] The pump control unit 191a includes electronic circuitry such as a microcomputer and memory (not shown). In the pump control unit 191a, the microcomputer controls the operation of the pump motor according to a program stored in the memory.

[0055] As constituent elements, pump 19b includes: plugs 15I and 15J; pipes 15h and 15i; pump stator 15L; pump control unit 191b; and pump rotor and pump motor (not shown). Pump 19b is identical to pump 19a in terms of constituent elements. Therefore, a detailed description of pump 19b is omitted.

[0056] [Details of secondary flow path 15]

[0057] Pipe 15a connects secondary inlet 11c and inlet 12e. Pipe 15b connects outlet 12f to the first interface of tee connector 15A. Pipe 15c connects the second interface of tee connector 15A to socket 15C. Pipe 15d connects plug 15G to the suction port of pump stator 15K. Pipe 15e connects outlet of pump stator 15K to plug 15H. Pipe 15f connects socket 15D to the first interface of tee connector 15B.

[0058] Pipe 15g connects the third interface of tee connector 15A to socket 15E. Pipe 15h connects plug 15I to the suction port of pump stator 15L. Pipe 15i connects the discharge port of pump stator 15L to plug 15J. Thus, pumps 19a and 19b are connected to secondary flow path 15. Pipe 15j connects socket 15F to the second interface of tee connector 15B.

[0059] Pipe 15k connects the third interface of tee connector 15B to secondary outlet 11d.

[0060] [Power Supply Unit 16]

[0061] The power supply unit 16 is installed inside the housing 11, or is detachable from the housing 11. The power supply unit 16 includes power circuitry, etc. An external power source provides AC voltage to the power supply unit 16. This external power source is, for example, a commercial power supply or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system. The power supply unit 16 generates two DC voltages from the provided AC voltage: a first DC voltage and a second DC voltage. The first DC voltage is higher than the second DC voltage. The first DC voltage is supplied, for example, to pumps 19a and 19b. The second DC voltage is supplied, for example, to the main control unit 18 and pump control units 191a and 191b.

[0062] [Operation Display Unit 17]

[0063] The operation display unit 17 is, for example, a touch screen. The touch screen includes a display and a touch sensor. The operation display unit 17 displays various images under the control of the main control unit 18.

[0064] [Main Control Unit 18]

[0065] The main control unit 18 is an integrated circuit that includes electronic circuits such as a microcomputer and memory (not shown). The main control unit 18 is an example of the "control device" of the present invention. Each microcomputer controls the components of the CDU1 and the pump system 13 according to a program stored in the memory.

[0066] [Transmission paths 23, 24]

[0067] The transmission path 23 includes cables 23a and 23b, and connectors 23c and 23d as components. Cable 23a connects the input / output terminals of the main control unit 18 to connector 23c. Cable 23b connects the input / output terminals of the pump control unit 191a to connector 23d. Connectors 23c and 23d can be detached from each other to electrically connect or disconnect cables 23a and 23b.

[0068] Transmission path 24 includes cables 24a and 24b, and connectors 24c and 24d as components. Transmission path 24 is identical to transmission path 23 in terms of its components. Therefore, a detailed description of transmission path 24 is omitted.

[0069] [Details of housing 11, pumps 19a and 19b]

[0070] As shown in Figure 3, the housing 11 has openings 111a and 111b, which serve as examples of "openings" in this invention. In the first embodiment, the housing 11 is generally rectangular. The openings 111a and 111b are formed laterally on the outer casing of the housing 11. Reception spaces 112a and 112b extend from the openings 111a and 111b toward the interior of the housing 11 along a first direction D01. The reception spaces 112a and 112b are respectively shaped to accommodate pumps 19a and 19b.

[0071] The housing 11 has partition walls 113a and 113b for dividing storage spaces 112a and 112b. The partition walls 113a and 113b extend substantially parallel to the first direction D01. Guide rails (not shown) are provided on the partition walls 113a and 113b to guide pumps 19a and 19b toward the first direction D01 and a second direction D02, which is the opposite direction to the first direction D01. Viewed from the opening 111a, sockets 15C and 15D and connector 23c are located deep within the storage space 112a in the first direction D01. Viewed from the opening 111b, sockets 15E and 15F and connector 24c are located deep within the storage space 112b in the first direction D01.

[0072] Pumps 19a and 19b can be inserted into and removed from housing 11 through openings 111a and 111b. Pumps 19a and 19b are connected to secondary flow path 15 by being mounted on housing 11.

[0073] Pumps 19a and 19b also have housings 192a and 192b. Housings 192a and 192b are approximately identical rectangular parallelepiped shapes. Housing 192a has plugs 15G and 15H and connector 23d on the surface of its end facing the first direction D01 when pump 19a is inserted or removed. Housing 192b has plugs 15I and 15J and connector 24d on the surface of its end facing the first direction D01 when pump 19b is inserted or removed. Additionally, plugs 15G and 15I are not shown in Figure 3 due to the viewing direction.

[0074] More specifically, during installation of housings 192a and 192b into housing 11, they are propelled from openings 111a and 111b toward the depths of storage spaces 112a and 112b in the first direction D01 by external force applied by the operator. During this process, housings 192a and 192b are guided by guide rails in partition walls 113a and 113b. When housing 192a reaches the deepest point in storage space 112a in the first direction D01, plugs 15G and 15H connect to sockets 15C and 15D. Almost simultaneously, connectors 23c and 23d connect cables 23a and 23b to each other. In storage space 112b, when housing 192b reaches the deepest point in the first direction D01, plugs 15I and 15J connect to sockets 15E and 15F. Almost simultaneously, connectors 24c and 24d connect cables 24a and 24b to each other. Thus, pumps 19a and 19b can draw secondary refrigerant C2 from the upstream side of the secondary flow path 15 and pressurize secondary refrigerant C2 to its downstream side.

[0075] On the other hand, when the housings 192a and 192b are pulled out relative to the housing 11, they move from the storage spaces 112a and 112b through the openings 111a and 111b toward the second direction D02 by the external force applied by the operator, toward the outside of the housing 11.

[0076] [Operation of Pump System 13]

[0077] The operation of the pump system 13 during the installation of pumps 19a and 19b will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6.

[0078] In pump system 13, with pumps 19a and 19b installed in housing 11, the main power supply to CDU1 is turned on by the operator. After the main power supply is turned on, power supply unit 16 begins to supply DC voltage to various parts of CDU1. Then, main control unit 18 sends commands (hereinafter also referred to as "start commands") to pump control units 191a and 191b respectively to start pumps 19a and 19b.

[0079] Pump control units 191a and 191b respond to receiving a start command by initiating operation of pumps 19a and 19b. Specifically, pump control units 191a and 191b output pulse-width modulated (PWM) signals Sa and Sb (see Figure 4) with a predetermined duty cycle to the pump motors of pumps 19a and 19b. As a result, the pump motors in pumps 19a and 19b generate power to rotate the pump rotors. Consequently, secondary refrigerant C2 flows into CDU1 from secondary inlet 11c, circulates within secondary flow path 15, and exits from secondary outlet 11d. Primary refrigerant C1, pressurized from cooling device 6 (see Figure 1), flows into primary inlet 11a of CDU1. Primary refrigerant C1 circulates within primary flow path 14 and exits from primary outlet 11b.

[0080] In pump system 13, when the main power supply to CDU1 is disconnected by the operator, the main control unit 18 sends commands (hereinafter also referred to as "stop commands") to pump control units 191a and 191b respectively to stop the operation of pumps 19a and 19b.

[0081] Pump control units 191a and 191b respond to receiving a stop command by stopping the operation of pumps 19a and 19b. Specifically, pump control units 191a and 191b stop outputting PWM signals Sa and Sb to the pump motors of pumps 19a and 19b (see Figure 4).

[0082] However, during the operation of CDU1, sometimes one of the multiple pumps 19a and 19b malfunctions. When the operator recognizes the malfunction, in order to replace the malfunctioning pump, a predetermined operation is performed on the operation display unit 17 (hereinafter also referred to as "first specific operation").

[0083] The main control unit 18 receives the first specific operation from the operator via the operation display unit 17 (step S101 in FIG5). Triggered by receiving the first specific operation, the main control unit 18 causes the operation display unit 17 to display a dialog box for replacing the malfunctioning pump (hereinafter also referred to as the "replacement start image") (step S101).

[0084] By changing the display of the start image, the operator is prompted to specify the pump for the replacement item. The operator selects the pump for the replacement item from among multiple pumps 19a and 19b via the operation display unit 17. Hereinafter, the pump for the replacement item will be assumed to be pump 19b.

[0085] Next, the main control unit 18 receives the designation of the pump 19b for replacing the item via the operation display unit 17 (step S102). Triggered by receiving the replacement item, the main control unit 18 sends a stop command to the pump control unit 191b to stop the operation of the pump 19b for replacing the item (step S102).

[0086] The pump control unit 191b receives a stop command for itself as a trigger, stops sending the PWM signal Sb, and stops the operation of pump 19b (refer to step S103, time T01 in Figure 4). After time T01, pump 19a also starts operating. That is, even if some of the multiple pumps 19a and 19b malfunction, CDU1 will not stop operating. In other words, the operating rate of CDU1 does not decrease.

[0087] When pump 19b stops operating, the refrigerant flow rate in secondary flow path 15 decreases. To replenish the refrigerant flow rate, the main control unit 18 preferably sends a command to the pump control unit 191a to increase the discharge rate of the pump other than pump 19b (i.e., pump 19a). Upon receiving the command, the pump control unit 191a sends a PWM signal Sa with an increased duty cycle, thereby increasing the discharge rate of pump 19a.

[0088] After pump 19b stops operating, the operator removes pump 19b from housing 11. This disconnects plugs 15I and 15J from sockets 15E and 15F, and connector 24d from connector 24c. Additionally, power supply from power unit 16 to pump 19b also ceases (see time T02 in Figure 4).

[0089] Then, the operator inserts the new pump 19b, which is different from the original pump 19b, into the storage space 112b through the opening 111b (refer to time T03 in Figure 4). In the new pump 19b, plugs 15I and 15J are soon connected to sockets 15E and 15F. Almost simultaneously, in the new pump 19b, connectors 24c and 24d are electrically connected to each other, resulting in cable 24b and cable 24a on the housing 11 side being interconnected. Furthermore, power supply unit 16 begins supplying power to the new pump 19b.

[0090] Here, the plugs 15I and 15J corresponding to the new pump 19b are connected to the sockets 15E and 15F, and the valves in sockets 15E and 15F are open. Furthermore, no secondary refrigerant C2 is loaded into the new pump 19b. Therefore, with the new pump 19b installed in the housing 11, as shown in the upper section of Figure 6, while keeping the pump 19a running, the secondary refrigerant C2 is pumped by the pump 19a from the socket 15D of the secondary flow path 15 to the pipe 15f. As a result, in the new pump 19b, the secondary refrigerant C2 flows back from the socket 15F to the plug 15J. Consequently, the pressure of the secondary refrigerant C2 in the secondary flow path 15 decreases, leading to a reduction in the cooling performance of CDU1.

[0091] Therefore, in the first embodiment, after executing step S102, that is, during the operation of pump 19a, which is part of a plurality of pumps 19a and 19b, if a new pump 19b other than pump 19a is detected to be connected to the secondary flow path 15, the main control unit 18 starts timing of a pre-set standby time Tw (see FIG4) (step S103). Pump 19a is an example of the "first pump" of the present invention, and pump 19b is an example of the "second pump" of the present invention.

[0092] In addition, in step S103, the main control unit 18 identifies the new pump 19b as connected to the secondary flow path 15 by electrically connecting the connector 24d of the new pump 19b to the connector 24c on the housing 11 side.

[0093] The standby time Tw is determined through experiments or simulations during the development phase of CDU1. Generally, in order to reliably insert the connector 24d and plugs 15I, 15J of the new pump 19b into the connector 24c and sockets 15E, 15F, the operator sometimes pushes the new pump 19b into the housing 11 while shaking it. As a result, the connectors 24c, 24d may repeatedly connect and disconnect electrically. In the first embodiment, with the connectors 24c, 24d electrically connected, the standby time Tw is set in order to perform steps after step S106.

[0094] After a standby time Tw (see Figure 4), the main control unit 18 instructs the pump control unit 191a to stop the operation of pump 19a for a specific time Ts (see Figure 4). During the specific time Ts, power supply to the new pump 19b is controlled (steps S104-S106 in Figure 5). In this embodiment, the main control unit 18 stops the operation of pump 19a after recognizing that the new pump 19b is connected to the secondary flow path 15. Therefore, as shown in the lower section of Figure 6, the flow of secondary refrigerant C2 in the secondary flow path 15 is temporarily stopped, which reduces the possibility of backflow of secondary refrigerant C2 from the socket 15F side to the plug 15J of the new pump 19b. As a result, the reduction in the cooling performance of CDU1 is suppressed.

[0095] Furthermore, when the operation of pump 19a is stopped after a standby time Tw, the reduction in cooling performance in CDU1 is further reduced compared to the case where no standby time Tw is set. This is because, without a standby time Tw, the main control unit 18 is more likely to repeatedly start and stop for a specific time Ts due to the repeated electrical connection and disconnection of connectors 24c and 24d when installing the new pump 19b into housing 11.

[0096] The specific time Ts is determined through experiments or simulations during the development phase of CDU1. Specifically, in the new pump 19b, a certain amount of time (hereinafter also referred to as "required time") is required from the start of power supply until power stabilization. The specific time Ts is the required time plus a margin.

[0097] In detail, in step S104, the main control unit 18 sends a stop command to the pump control unit 191a to stop the operation of pump 19a after a standby time Tw (see Figure 4), and starts timing for a specific time Ts (see time T04 in Figure 4). The pump control unit 191a responds to the received stop command by stopping the operation of pump 19a.

[0098] In step S105, the main control unit 18 controls the power supply to the new pump 19b. Specifically, the main control unit 18 begins supplying power to the new pump 19b.

[0099] In step S106, the main control unit 18 restarts the stopped pump 19a after providing stable power to the new pump 19b. This shortens the downtime of pump 19a. In this embodiment, the main control unit 18 sends a start command to the pump control unit 191a (see time T05 in Figure 4) in response to a specific time Ts elapsed. Triggered by receiving the start command, the pump control unit 191a resumes outputting a PWM signal Sa to the pump motor of pump 19a (see Figure 4). Thus, the operation of pump 19a restarts.

[0100] In the first embodiment, in step S106, the power supplied to the new pump 19b is considered stable after a specific time Ts has elapsed, therefore, it is not necessary to monitor the power supplied to the new pump 19b. Alternatively, the main control unit 18 may not restart the stopped pump 19a after a specific time Ts, but instead monitor the power supplied to the new pump 19b, and restart the stopped pump 19a if the power is stable based on the monitoring results.

[0101] After step S106, that is, after the power supply to the new pump 19b is stabilized, the main control unit 18 starts the new pump 19b (steps S107 to S109). As a result, the new pump 19b operates reliably.

[0102] In detail, in step S107, the main control unit 18 causes the operation display unit 17 to display an operation start image. The operation start image is a dialog box used by the operator to specify whether the operation of a new pump 19b can be started.

[0103] By displaying the start-up image, the operator can specify whether the operation of the new pump 19b can be started via the operation display unit 17.

[0104] When the operator designates that the pump 19b can start operating via the operation display unit 17 ("Yes" in step S108), the main control unit 18 sends a start command to the pump control unit 191b (step S109, refer to time T06 in FIG4). The pump control unit 191b, in response to receiving the start command, starts the pump 19b. In the first embodiment, since the operator is prompted by the start image, the operator can easily identify when the pump 19b can start operating.

[0105] Alternatively, the main control unit 18 may skip steps S107 to S109 and instead operate both pumps 19a and 19b in step S106.

[0106] [Detailed Structure of CDU1 (Second Embodiment)]

[0107] As shown in Figure 7, the difference between the CDU1 of the second embodiment and the CDU1 of the first embodiment (see Figure 2) is that the pump system 13 also includes control valves 51A and 51B, temperature sensor 52, and flow sensor 53 as an example of the "multiple components" of the present invention.

[0108] Control valves 51A and 51B are located, for example, midway through pipes 15f and 15j in the secondary flow path 15. The opening degree of each control valve 51A and 51B is controlled by the main control unit 18, thereby regulating the flow rate of secondary refrigerant C2 in pipes 15f and 15j.

[0109] Temperature sensor 52, for example, located in pipe 15k of secondary flow path 15, outputs information (hereinafter also referred to as "temperature information") showing the temperature of secondary refrigerant C2 flowing in pipe 15k to main control unit 18.

[0110] The flow sensor 53, for example, located in the pipe 15k of the secondary flow path 15, outputs information (hereinafter also referred to as "flow information") showing the flow rate of the secondary refrigerant C2 flowing in the pipe 15k to the main control unit 18.

[0111] In addition to temperature sensor 52 and flow sensor 53, a pressure sensor can also be installed midway through pipes 15f and 15j of the secondary flow path 15. The two pressure sensors detect the pressure of the secondary refrigerant 2C pumped by pumps 19a and 19b located upstream of each other.

[0112] The main control unit 18 adjusts the opening degree of control valves 51A and 51B based on at least one of temperature information and flow information.

[0113] The control valves 51A and 51B, the temperature sensor 52, and the flow sensor 53 are operated by DC voltage (i.e., power) supplied from the power supply unit 16. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG8, the pump system 13 further includes a common substrate 54, a plurality of individual substrates 55A to 55D, and a plurality of first wires 56A to 56D.

[0114] A first wiring 541 for power transmission is formed on a common substrate 54. Specifically, a terminal block 542 and a plurality of connectors 543A-543D are also mounted on the common substrate 54. A wire 161 extending from the power supply unit 16 is connected to the terminal block 542. The first wiring 541 is formed on the common substrate 54 by printing or the like, electrically connecting the terminal block 542 to each of the connectors 543A-543D. Each connector 543A-543D is sometimes also referred to as a substrate-to-substrate connector, and is electrically connected to any one of the individual substrates 55A-55D by being inserted into any one of the individual substrates 55A-55D.

[0115] Each individual substrate 55A-55D is electrically connected to the first wiring 541. A second wiring 552 for power transmission is formed on each individual substrate 55A-55D. More specifically, connectors 553 and 554 are also mounted on each individual substrate 55A-55D. Each connector 553, sometimes referred to as a substrate-to-substrate connector, is electrically connected to connectors 543A-543D by being inserted into connectors 543A-543D on the common substrate 54. In each individual substrate 55A-55D, the second wiring 552 is formed by printing or the like, electrically connecting connectors 553 and 554. Therefore, by inserting each connector 553 into any one of the connectors 543A-543D on the common substrate 54, the second wiring 552 is electrically connected to the first wiring 541.

[0116] Multiple first wires 56A-56D are electrically connected to each of the second wirings 552 for power transmission. The first wires 56A-56D electrically connect the connectors 554 in the individual substrates 55A-55D to the control valves 51A, 51B, the temperature sensor 52, and the flow sensor 53 (i.e., the "multiple components" of the present invention).

[0117] In the second embodiment, the DC voltage of the power supply unit 16 is supplied to multiple components (control valves 51A, 51B, temperature sensor 52, and flow sensor 53) via a common substrate 54 and separate substrates 55A-55D. Therefore, the total length of the flexible power lines used to supply power to the multiple components within the housing 11 is shortened. Furthermore, because the total length of the flexible power lines is shortened, it becomes easier to assemble the multiple components into the CDU1 and the pump system 13.

[0118] As shown in Figure 8, the pump system 13 also includes second power cables 555A and 555B for power transmission. The second power cables 555A and 555B electrically connect the power supply unit 16 to connectors 23c and 24c. Connectors 23c and 24c are examples of the "first connector" of this invention.

[0119] In addition to the connector 23d and the cable 23b, the pump 19a also has a pump base plate 193A as a component.

[0120] In the second embodiment, cable 23b is, for example, a ribbon cable formed by bundling communication lines and power lines. Connector 23d is an example of the "second connector" of the present invention, and cable 23b is an example of the "pump wire" of the present invention. By mounting pump 19a on housing 11 (see Figure 7), connector 23d is electrically connected to connector 23c, thereby connecting the second wire 555A to the power line of cable 23b.

[0121] The pump base plate 193A is installed inside the pump housing 192a (see Figure 3) and is electrically connected to the cable 23b. Additionally, a pump control unit 191a is mounted on the pump base plate 193A. The pump control unit 191a receives power from the power supply unit 16 via the power lines of the cable 23b. With this structure, the pump base plate 193A can be moved from one side of the storage space 112a to the other side through the opening 111a by inserting or removing the pump 19a.

[0122] In addition to connector 24d and cable 24b, pump 19b also has pump base plate 193B as a constituent element. Pump 19b is the same as pump 19a in terms of constituent elements. Therefore, a detailed description of pump 19b is omitted.

[0123] In the second embodiment, the DC voltage from the power supply unit 16 is supplied to pump 19a via connectors 23c and 23d, and to pump 19b via connectors 24c and 24d. In other words, DC voltage is applied to pumps 19a and 19b by mounting them on the housing 11. This provides a convenient pump system 13.

[0124] As described above, power supply unit 16 generates DC voltage from AC voltage supplied by an external power source. Power supply unit 16 provides the generated DC voltage (i.e., power) to the first wiring 541.

[0125] Furthermore, as shown in FIG9, the power supply unit 16 has a generally cuboid-shaped housing 162. The housing 162 houses the aforementioned power supply circuitry, etc. The common substrate 54 is shown in dashed lines in FIG9. Additionally, the common substrate 54 is shown transparently for easy visual identification of the power supply unit 16. The common substrate 54 is disposed within the housing 11 along one side 163 of the generally cuboid-shaped housing 162. This allows for a reduction in the length of the wire 161 from the power supply unit 16 to the common substrate 54.

[0126] [Variation Example]

[0127] In the second embodiment, the connector 554 in the individual substrates 55A-55D is electrically connected to the control valves 51A and 51B, the temperature sensor 52, and the flow sensor 53 via the first wires 56A-56D. However, it is not limited to this. As shown in FIG10, the individual substrates 55A and the control valves 51A may not be electrically connected via the first wire 56A. Instead, the main control unit 18 is mounted on the individual substrates 55A, and the connector 553 is electrically connected to the main control unit 18 via the second wiring 552.

[0128] Additionally, in Figure 10, control valves 51A and 51B, temperature sensor 52, and flow sensor 53 can be electrically connected to the first wiring 541 of the common board 54 via a separate circuit board or without a separate circuit board.

[0129] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various ways without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, the various constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments can be appropriately modified. For example, one of the constituent elements shown in one embodiment can be added to the constituent elements of another embodiment, or several constituent elements shown in one embodiment can be deleted from the embodiments.

[0130] Furthermore, to facilitate understanding of the present invention, the accompanying drawings are schematically illustrated with respect to each constituent element. For the convenience of creating the drawings, the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc., of each constituent element shown may sometimes differ from the actual dimensions. Additionally, the structure of each constituent element shown in the above embodiments is merely an example and is not particularly limited; various modifications can be made without substantially departing from the effects of the present invention.

[0131] Note that this technology can also be configured as follows.

[0132] (1) A pump system comprising: A shell having openings and fluid flow paths; Multiple pumps, which can be inserted and removed relative to the housing through the opening, are connected to the flow path by being mounted on the housing; and Control Department During the operation of the first pump, which is part of the plurality of pumps, if a second pump (other than the first pump) is identified as being connected to the flow path, the control unit stops the operation of the first pump for a specific period of time. During the specified time period, the control unit controls the power supply to the second pump.

[0133] (2) The pump system as described in (1), wherein, when the control unit identifies that the second pump is connected to the flow path, after a standby time which is a predetermined time has elapsed, the operation of the first pump is stopped for the specific time period.

[0134] (3) The pump system as described in (1) or (2), wherein, when the power supplied to the second pump is stable, the control unit restarts the first pump that is stopped.

[0135] (4) The pump system as described in any of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit operates the second pump after the power supplied to the second pump has stabilized.

[0136] (5) The pump system as described in any one of (1) to (4), further comprising an operation display unit that displays a screen for user operation to specify whether the operation of the second pump can be started after the power supplied to the second pump has stabilized. When the user specifies that the operation of the second pump can be started, the control unit causes the second pump to operate.

[0137] (6) The pump system as described in any one of (1) to (5), wherein it further comprises: A common substrate having a first wiring for power transmission formed thereon; Multiple individual substrates, electrically connected to the first wiring, form a second wiring for power transmission; A plurality of first wires, which are electrically connected to a plurality of second wirings, are used for power transmission; and Multiple components connected to the plurality of first wires.

[0138] (7) The pump system as described in (6), further comprising: A second power line for power transmission; and The first connector is electrically connected to the second wire. The pump has: The second connector is mounted on the housing via the pump and is electrically connected to the first connector; Pump wire, which is a power transmission wire electrically connected to the second connector; and The substrate that is electrically connected to the pump wire is the pump substrate.

[0139] (8) The pump system as described in (6) or (7), further comprising a power supply unit having a housing and supplying power to the first wiring. The common substrate is arranged along the surface of the housing.

[0140] (9) A refrigerant circulation device comprising the pump system described in any one of (1) to (8), The fluid is a refrigerant.

[0141] (10) A control device capable of controlling a plurality of pumps, the plurality of pumps being insertable and removable through an opening relative to a housing, and connected via a flow path of fluid disposed in the housing. The control device includes: A stop control unit, which, during the operation of a first pump (which is part of the plurality of pumps), identifies that a second pump (other than the first pump) is connected to the flow path, stops the operation of the first pump for a specific period of time; and The power supply control unit controls the power supply to the second pump during the specific time period.

[0142] The technology of this invention is suitable for refrigerant recycling equipment and has industrial applicability.

[0143] 1: Refrigerant circulation equipment 2: Distribution manifold 3: Collect manifold 4: Cold-rolled steel plate 5: Heat source 6: Cooling equipment 61: Inlet 62: Outlet 63: Internal flow path 64: Cooling section 65: Pump 7, 8: Flow path 9: Rack 11: Shell 11a: Primary Flow Inlet 11b: Primary outlet 11c: Secondary Flow Inlet 11d: Secondary flow outlet 12: Heat exchanger 12a: Laminated body 12b: Flow Inlet 12c: Outlet 12d:Flow path 12e: Flow Inlet 12f: Outlet 12g:Flow path 13: Pump System 14: Primary flow path 14a, 14b: pipes 15: Secondary flow path (flow path) 15a~15k: pipe 15A, 15B: Tee connector 15C~15F: Coupling socket 15G~15J: Coupling plug 15K, 15L: Pump stator 16: Power Supply Unit 161: Electrical wire 162: Outer shell 163: noodles 17: Operation Display Section 18: Main Control Unit (Control Department, Control Equipment) 19a, 19b: Pumps (multiple pumps, first pump, second pump) 21: Shared flow path 22: Separate flow path 23, 24: Transmission Path 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b: Cables (pump wires) 23c, 24c: Connector (First Connector) 23d, 24d: Connector (Second Connector) 31: Separate flow path 32: Shared flow path 41: Inlet 42: Outlet 43: Internal flow path 51A, 51B: Control valves 52: Temperature sensor 53: Flow sensor 191a, 191b: Pump Control Unit 192a, 192b: Shell 193A, 193B: Pump base plate 54: Common substrate 541: First wiring 542: Terminal block 543A~543D: Connectors 55A~55D: Individual substrates 553, 554: Connectors 100: Cooling System 111a, 111b: Opening 112a, 112b: Storage space 113a, 113b: partition walls 552: Second wiring 56A~56D: First wire 555A, 555B: Second wire Sa, Sb: signal T01~T06: Time S101~S109: Steps A01: Space C1: Primary refrigerant C2: Secondary refrigerant D01: First Direction D02: Second Direction

[0144] Domestic storage information (please note in order of storage institution, date, and number) none Overseas storage information (please note in the order of storage country, institution, date, and number) none

Claims

1. A pump system comprising: a housing having an opening and a flow path for fluid; a plurality of pumps, the plurality of pumps being pluggable through the opening relative to the housing and connected in parallel to the flow path by being mounted on the housing; and a control unit, wherein, during operation of a first pump, which is part of the plurality of pumps, the control unit, upon identifying that a second pump, other than the first pump, is connected to the flow path, stops operation of the first pump for a specific time period, the specific time being a required time from the start of power supply to the stabilization of power in the second pump plus a margin time, during the specific time period, the control unit controls the power supply to the second pump.

2. The pump system as described in claim 1, wherein, When the control unit identifies that the second pump is connected to the flow path, it stops the operation of the first pump for a specific period of time after a standby time that is predetermined.

3. The pump system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, When the power supply to the second pump is stable, the control unit restarts the first pump, which was stopped.

4. The pump system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, After the power supplied to the second pump is stabilized, the control unit starts the second pump.

5. The pump system as described in claim 4 further includes an operation display unit that displays a screen for user operation to specify whether the operation of the second pump can be started after the power supplied to the second pump has stabilized. When the user operation specifies that the operation of the second pump can be started, the control unit causes the second pump to operate.

6. The pump system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a common substrate having a first wiring for power transmission; a plurality of separate substrates electrically connected to the first wiring to form a second wiring for power transmission; a plurality of first wires electrically connected to the plurality of second wirings for power transmission; and a plurality of components connected to the plurality of first wires.

7. The pump system as claimed in claim 6, further comprising: a second wire for power transmission; and a first connector electrically connected to the second wire, the pump having: a second connector electrically connected to the first connector via the pump mounted on the housing; a pump wire for power transmission electrically connected to the second connector; and a pump base plate electrically connected to the pump wire.

8. The pump system as claimed in claim 6 further includes a power supply unit having a housing and supplying power to the first wiring, the common substrate being disposed along a surface of the housing.

9. A refrigerant circulation device comprising the pump system described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluid is a refrigerant.

10. A control device capable of controlling a plurality of pumps, the plurality of pumps being pluggable through an opening relative to a housing and connected in parallel to a flow path of fluid disposed in the housing by means of mounting on the housing, the control device comprising: a stop control unit, wherein during operation of a first pump, which is part of the plurality of pumps, the stop control unit, upon identifying that a second pump, other than the first pump, is connected to the flow path, stops operation of the first pump for a specific time period, the specific time being a required time from the start of power supply to the stabilization of power in the second pump plus a margin time; and a power supply control unit, wherein during the specific time period, the power supply control unit controls the power supply to the second pump.

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