Cooling system for at least one electronic device

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooling system (1) for at least one electronic device, in particular at least one computer server, the system comprising a tank (3) intended to hold a heat transfer fluid, the tank (3) comprising a bottom (5) and a wall (7), an injection pipe (11) comprising regularly spaced first openings (12) for injecting the heat transfer fluid at a first temperature into the tank (3), the injection pipe (11) extending over a first level (h1), a discharge pipe (13), and a pump (20) for circulating the heat transfer fluid through the tank (3) from the injection pipe (11) to the discharge pipe (13). The injection pipe (11), the discharge pipe (13), and the pump (20) are configured so as to allow a uniform distribution of the heat transfer fluid in the tank (3).

Description

DESCRIPTION Title of the invention: Cooling system for at least one electronic device technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooling system for at least one electronic device, in particular at least one computer server. Previous Art

[0002] Computer servers experience a temperature increase during operation. Cooling them is essential to prevent performance degradation, increased energy consumption, or damage. For this purpose, servers can be placed in a tank and immersed in a dielectric fluid.

[0003] Document WO2017091862 describes a system for cooling electronic devices by immersion in a fluid contained within a tank. However, such a cooling system has drawbacks. In particular, the cooling of the electronic devices is not uniform but varies depending on the device's location within the tank.

[0004] The invention aims to overcome, at least in part, the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art. More specifically, the invention aims to provide a simple, efficient, and compact cooling system. Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of the invention is therefore a cooling system for at least one electronic device, said system comprising: - a tank intended to receive a heat transfer fluid, said tank comprising a bottom and a wall; - an injection line comprising first regularly spaced openings to inject the heat transfer fluid at a first temperature into the tank, said injection line extending over a first level; - a drain pipe comprising regularly spaced second openings to drain the heat transfer fluid at a second temperature out of the tank, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature, said drain pipe extending over a second level, said first level being proximal to the bottom of the tank and said second level being distal to the bottom of the tank; - a pump for circulating the heat transfer fluid in the tank from the injection line to the discharge line; - the injection and discharge lines and the pump being configured so as to allow a homogeneous distribution of the heat transfer fluid in the tank, the injection line and the discharge line having different configurations.

[0006] The sum of the diameters of the first openings can be equal, to within 10%, to the diameter of the section of the injection pipe.

[0007] The sum of the diameters of the second openings can be equal, to within 10%, to the diameter of the section of the drain pipe.

[0008] The tank wall may include a layer of thermal insulation interposed between two layers of stainless steel.

[0009] The bottom of the tank may include a layer of thermal insulation interposed between two layers of stainless steel.

[0010] The thermal insulation layer may include at least one polymer, for example polystyrene.

[0011] The drainage pipe may include a first branch and a second branch, said first branch and said second branch being parallel to each other.

[0012] The injection line includes a main branch whose projection, in a plane passing through the first branch and the second branch of the discharge line, is equidistant from said branches.

[0013] The tank can be closed with a watertight lid.

[0014] The said system may include a heat exchanger intended to receive the heat transfer fluid transmitted through the exhaust pipe, the said heat exchanger being capable of enabling energy recovery.

[0015] The heat exchanger can be a plate heat exchanger.

[0016] The said system may include a thermal energy management device to optimize the cooling of the electronic device and energy recovery.

[0017] At least one opening of the injection line and / or at least one opening of the discharge line is extended by a conical extension element.

[0018] Figure 1 represents one embodiment of a cooling system.

[0019] Figure 2 is a plan view representing one embodiment of a cooling system.

[0020] Figure 3 represents an embodiment of an injection line of a cooling system of the type of that of figures 1 and 2.

[0021] Figure 4 represents an embodiment of an exhaust pipe for a cooling system of the type shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0022] Figure 5 is a plan view representing an embodiment of an exhaust pipe for a cooling system of the type shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0023] Figure 6 schematically represents an injection line of a cooling system of the type of that shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0024] Figure 7 is a plan view representing an embodiment of an assembly comprising a cooling system of the type of that in Figures 1 and 2 and several electronic devices. Description of figures

[0025] The applicant highlighted that the uneven cooling of electronic devices in a tank of a cooling system typically used by immersion in a heat transfer fluid can be due to the fact that the heat transfer fluid is static or immobile within the tank. The invention proposes a cooling system designed to improve the "natural" convection phenomenon inside the tank.

[0026] Furthermore, the cooling systems typically used to cool electronic devices do not allow for the recovery of generated energy. by electronic devices in the form of heat. The thermal energy is dissipated without being able to be used.

[0027] The invention provides a cooling system for at least one electronic device, in particular at least one computer server, comprising a means for circulating a heat transfer fluid in a tank. This circulation means is specifically designed to improve heat transfer between the electronic device and the heat transfer fluid without degrading the performance of the electronic device, particularly the computer server. Indeed, given the sensitivity of the electronic components in computer servers, creating high agitation within the tank is not feasible. This cooling system also allows for the recovery of thermal energy generated by the electronic device.

[0028] A cooling system 1 for at least one electronic device is described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0029] The electronic device could be a computer server.

[0030] The cooling system 1 includes a tank 3 intended to receive a heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid is a dielectric fluid.

[0031] The heat transfer fluid is, for example, a dielectric oil, particularly mineral or synthetic. Advantageously, the heat transfer fluid can be biodegradable or bio-based.

[0032] The tank 3 comprises a bottom 5 and a wall 7. The wall 7 extends from the perimeter of the bottom 5, in particular perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the bottom 5.

[0033] An orthogonal coordinate system X, Y, Z is defined. The base 5 can extend parallel or substantially parallel to the X, Y plane, in particular horizontally or substantially horizontally. The wall 7 can extend perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the X, Y plane, in particular vertically or substantially vertically.

[0034] Tank 3 can be parallelepiped in shape.

[0035] Wall 7 may include a first longitudinal portion 7a and a second longitudinal portion 7b. The first longitudinal portion 7a may extend parallel or substantially parallel to the X, Z plane. The second longitudinal portion 7b may extend parallel or substantially parallel to the X, Z plane. The first and second longitudinal portions 7a, 7b may be parallel or substantially parallel to each other.

[0036] The wall 7 may include a first lateral portion 7c and a second lateral portion 7d. The first lateral portion 7c may extend parallel or substantially parallel to the Y, Z plane. The second longitudinal portion 7d may extend parallel or substantially parallel to the Y, Z plane. The first and second lateral portions 7c, 7d may be parallel or substantially parallel to each other.

[0037] The cooling system 1 includes an injection line 11. The injection line 11 defines a channel for the flow of a heat transfer fluid. The injection line 11 includes at least one first opening 12. The injection line 11 may include a plurality of first openings 12. At least one first opening 12 is intended for injecting a heat transfer fluid into the tank 3. A heat transfer fluid can be injected at a first temperature into the tank 3 via the injection line 11.

[0038] The injection line 11 extends over a first level h1, the first level h1 being in particular perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the Z axis.

[0039] The injection line 11 extends at least partially inside the tank 3. The injection line 11 may pass through the first lateral portion 7c of the wall 7 of the tank 3 at the location of an orifice 16.

[0040] The injection line 11 can extend inside the tank 3 in the direction X.

[0041] The cooling system 1 includes a drain line 13. The drain line 13 defines a channel for the flow of a heat transfer fluid. The drain line 13 includes at least one second opening 14. The drain line 13 may include a plurality of second openings 14. At least one second opening 14 is intended to discharge heat transfer fluid from the tank 3. Heat transfer fluid may be discharged at a second temperature from the tank 3 via the drain line 13, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature.

[0042] The discharge pipe 13 extends at least partially inside the tank 3. The discharge pipe 13 may pass through the first lateral portion 7c of the wall 7 of the tank 3 at the location of a first orifice 19a and / or a second orifice 19b.

[0043] The evacuation pipe 13 extends over a second level h2, the second level h2 being in particular perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the Z axis.

[0044] Said first level h1 is proximal to the bottom 5 of tank 3. Said second level h2 is distal to the bottom 5 of tank 3.

[0045] The drainage pipe 13 may include a first branch 13a and a second branch 13b, the first branch 13a and the second branch 13b being, in particular, parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The first branch 13a and / or the second branch 13b may extend over said second level h2.

[0046] The first branch 13a and / or the second branch 13b of the drain line 13 includes at least one second opening 14. The first branch 13a and the second branch 13b are intended to be arranged inside the tank 3. The first branch 13a and the second branch 13b are intended to discharge heat transfer fluid from the tank 3 by recovering it through at least one second opening 14. The first branch 13a of the drain line 13 may include at least one second opening 14a. The first branch 13a of the drain line 13 may include a plurality of second openings 14a. The second branch 13b of the drain line 13 may include at least one second opening 14b. The second branch 13b of the drain line 13 may include a plurality of second openings 14b.

[0047] The first branch 13a of the discharge pipe 13 can pass through the first lateral portion 7c of the wall 7 of the tank 3 at the location of the first orifice 19a. The second branch 13b of the discharge pipe 13 can pass through the first lateral portion 7c of the wall 7 of the tank 3 at the location of the second orifice 19b.

[0048] The first branch 13a of the discharge pipe 13 can extend inside the tank 3 in the direction X. The second branch 13b of the discharge pipe 13 can extend inside the tank 3 in the direction X.

[0049] It should be noted here that the injection line 11 has only one main branch, while the discharge line has two branches. Therefore, the injection line 11 and the discharge line 13 have different configurations.

[0050] Finally, it should be noted that, in a variant of the embodiment illustrated in the example of Figure 7, the projection of the injection line 11 into a plane passing through the first branch 13a and the second branch 13b of the injection line 13, is equidistant from said branches 13a, 13b.

[0051] The cooling system 1 includes a pump 20, or circulator, for circulating the heat transfer fluid in the tank 3, from the injection line 11 to the discharge line 13.

[0052] Pump 20 is arranged outside tank 3. Pump 20 can be located opposite the first side wall 7c of tank 3. Pump 20 is, for example, fixed to the first side wall 7c of tank 3. Pump 20 can be in contact with the first side wall 7c of tank 3.

[0053] The injection line 11, the discharge line 13 and the pump 20 form a fluid circuit 30.

[0054] The injection line 11, the discharge line 13 and the pump 20 can be configured to allow a homogeneous distribution of the heat transfer fluid in the tank 3.

[0055] The cooling system 1 may further include a heat exchanger 22 intended to receive the heat transfer fluid transmitted by the discharge pipe 13. Said heat exchanger 22 may be suitable for allowing energy recovery.

[0056] The fluid circuit 30 may further include said heat exchanger 22. The heat exchanger 22 is for example disposed along the fluid circuit 30 between the pump 20 and the injection line 11.

[0057] The heat exchanger 22 is, for example, a plate heat exchanger. This results in a reduced footprint for a cooling system 1 and high efficiency for energy recovery.

[0058] Heat exchanger 22, for example, is single-phase.

[0059] The heat exchanger 22 is arranged, in particular, outside the tank 3. The heat exchanger 22 can be located opposite the first side wall 7c of the tank 3. The heat exchanger 22 is, for example, fixed to the first side wall 7c of the tank 3. The heat exchanger 22 can be in contact with the first side wall 7c of the tank 3.

[0060] The wall 7 of the tank 3 may include a layer of thermal insulation sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel. The thermal insulation layer may comprise at least one polymer, in particular an elastomer. The thermal insulation layer may, for example, be made of polystyrene. Such a thermal insulation layer is intended to minimize heat loss from the tank 3 through the wall 7. Such a thermal insulation layer is intended to insulate the tank 3 to limit heat loss to the outside of the tank 3. Such a wall 7, comprising a layer of thermal insulation sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel, may be called a double wall.

[0061] The bottom 5 of the tank 3 may include a layer of thermal insulation sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel. The thermal insulation layer may comprise at least one polymer, in particular an elastomer. The thermal insulation layer may, for example, be made of polystyrene. Such a thermal insulation layer is intended to minimize heat loss from the tank 3 through the bottom 5. This thermal insulation layer is intended to insulate the tank 3 to limit heat loss to the outside of the tank 3.

[0062] Tank 3 can be closed by a lid 9, or hood, in particular one that is watertight or has seals.

[0063] The cooling system 1 may further include a thermal energy management device to optimize the cooling of said at least one electronic device and energy recovery.

[0064] One advantage of a cooling system of the type described above is its compact size, as the means for circulating the heat transfer and dielectric fluid is located, at least partially, inside tank 3, without reducing or only negligibly reducing the volume available inside tank 3 to accommodate at least one electronic device. 50 compared to a cooling system of the type usually used which does not include a means of circulating the heat transfer fluid.

[0065] An injection line 11 of a cooling system 1 such as that described above is described in more detail below with reference to Figures 3 and 6.

[0066] The injection line 11 may include a first part 11a and a second part 11b.

[0067] The first part 11a includes said at least one first opening 12. The first part 11a is intended to be arranged inside the tank 3. The first part 11a is intended to carry out the injection of the heat transfer fluid into the tank 3 via the at least one first opening 12.

[0068] The first openings 12 are here regularly spaced along the first part 11a of the injection line 11.

[0069] The first portion 11a of the injection line 11 may be straight and elongated, in particular cylindrical, for example with a circular cross-section. The first openings 12 may extend across the surface of the first portion 11a of the injection line 11 along a straight line parallel or substantially parallel to the main direction of elongation of the injection line 11.

[0070] At least one first opening 12 is for example formed by drilling in the wall of the injection line 11.

[0071] The first 12 openings may be identical or substantially identical in shape. The first 12 openings may be identical or substantially identical in size.

[0072] At least one first opening 12 can be circular in shape.

[0073] By diameter of the section of the injection line 11, we mean the diameter D11 of the section of the first part 11a of the injection line 11. We call D12 the diameter of at least one first opening 12.

[0074] L11 is the length of the first part 11a of the injection line 11, that is to say the dimension of the first part 11a of the injection line 11 along the main direction of elongation of the injection line 11. d11 is the distance between two successive openings 12.

[0075] The length L11 of the first part 11a of the injection line 11, the distance d11 between two successive first openings 12 and the number of first openings 12 may be chosen in particular according to the dimensions of the tank 3 and according to the planned arrangement of at least one electronic device 50 in the tank 3.

[0076] The first part 11a of the injection line 11 comprises a first end 111a and a second end 112a. Heat transfer fluid is intended to flow in the first part 11a of the injection line 11 from the first end 111a and towards the second end 112a.

[0077] The second part 11 b of the injection line 11 is intended to connect the injection line 11 to the portion of the fluidic circuit 30 located outside the tank 3.

[0078] The first end 111a of the first part 11a of the injection line 11 is intended to be connected to the pump 20, possibly with interposition of the heat exchanger 22.

[0079] The second portion 11b of the injection line 11 may comprise a first portion 111b and a second portion 112b. The first portion 111b of the second portion 11b of the injection line 11 may be straight, in particular cylindrical, for example, with a circular cross-section. The first portion 111b of the second portion 11b of the injection line 11 may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first portion 11a of the injection line 11. The second portion 112b of the second portion 11b of the injection line 11 may be curved, for example, elbow-shaped, in particular cylindrical, for example, with a circular cross-section. The second portion 112b may extend from the first end 111a of the first portion 11a to the first portion 111b of the second portion 11b of the injection line 11.

[0080] The injection line 11 may further include a fluid connector 11c located at the end of the injection line 11 intended to be located outside the tank 3. The fluid connector 11c of the injection line 11 is in particular intended to be connected to the pump 20, possibly with interposition of the heat exchanger 22.

[0081] The injection line 11 can be at least partly in the form of a single mechanical part. This results in an easier method of mounting a cooling system 1.

[0082] An exhaust pipe 13 of a cooling system 1 such as that described above is described in more detail below with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

[0083] The evacuation pipe 13 may include a first part, including in particular the first branch 13a and / or the second branch 13b, and a second part 13c.

[0084] The first part 13a, 13b of the discharge pipe 13 includes said at least one second opening 14. The first part 13a, 13b of the discharge pipe 13 is intended to be arranged inside the tank 3. The first part 13a, 13b of the discharge pipe 13 is intended to recover heat transfer fluid via the at least one second opening 14 and to discharge it out of the tank 3.

[0085] Second openings 14a are here regularly spaced along the first branch 13a of the evacuation pipe 13. Second openings 14b are also regularly spaced along the second branch 13b of the evacuation pipe 13.

[0086] The first branch 13a of the drainage pipe 13 may be straight and elongated, in particular cylindrical, for example with a circular cross-section. The second openings 14a may extend across the surface of the first branch 13a of the drainage pipe 13 along a straight line parallel or substantially parallel to the main direction of elongation of the first branch 13a of the drainage pipe 13.

[0087] The second branch 13b of the drainage pipe 13 may be straight and elongated, in particular cylindrical, for example with a circular cross-section. The second openings 14b may extend across the surface of the second branch 13b of the drainage pipe 13 along a straight line parallel or substantially parallel to the main direction of elongation of the second branch 13b of the drainage pipe 13.

[0088] At least one second opening 14, 14a, 14b is for example formed by drilling in the wall of the drain pipe 13.

[0089] The second apertures 14, 14a, 14b may be identical or substantially identical in shape. The second apertures 14, 14a, 14b may be identical or substantially identical in size.

[0090] At least one second opening 14, 14a, 14b can be circular in shape.

[0091] L13a is the length of the first branch 13a of the drainage pipe 13, that is, the dimension of the first branch 13a of the drainage pipe 13 along the main direction of elongation of the first branch 13a of the drainage pipe 13. d13a is the distance between two successive second openings 14a.

[0092] L13b is the length of the second branch 13b of the drainage pipe 13, that is, the dimension of the second branch 13b of the drainage pipe 13 along the main direction of elongation of the second branch 13b of the drainage pipe 13. d13b is the distance between two successive second openings 14b.

[0093] The first branch 13a of the drain pipe 13 comprises a first end 131a and a second end 132a. Heat transfer fluid is intended to circulate in the first branch 13a of the drain pipe 13 from the first end 131a to the second end 132a.

[0094] The second branch 13b of the drain pipe 13 comprises a first end 131b and a second end 132b. Heat transfer fluid is intended to flow in the second branch 13b of the drain pipe 13 from the first end 131b to the second end 132b.

[0095] The second part 13c of the discharge pipe 13 is intended to connect the discharge pipe 13 to the portion of the fluidic circuit 30 located outside the tank 3.

[0096] The second end 132a of the first branch 13a and / or the second end 132b of the second branch 13b of the discharge pipe 13 is intended to be connected to the pump 20.

[0097] The second part 13c of the drain pipe 13 may include a first portion 131c and a second portion 132c. The first portion 131c of the second part 13c of the drain pipe 13 may be straight, in particular cylindrical, for example, with a circular cross-section. The first portion 131c of the second part 13c of the drain pipe 13 may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first part of the drain pipe 13, in particular to the first branch 13a and / or the second branch 13b. The second portion 132c of the second part 13c of the drain pipe 13 may be curved, for example, elbow-shaped, in particular cylindrical, for example, with a circular cross-section. The second portion 132c may extend from the second end 132b of the second branch 13b to the first portion 131c of the second part 13c of the drain pipe 13.

[0098] The first branch 13a is notably linked to a first end 17 of the second part 13c of the drainage pipe 13. The second branch 13b is notably linked to a second end 18 of the second part 13c of the drainage pipe 13.

[0099] The second part 13c of the discharge pipe 13 may be intended to be located outside the tank 3. The second part 13c of the discharge pipe 13 may be located opposite the first side wall 7c of the tank 3, for example in contact with the first side wall 7c of the tank 3.

[0100] The drain line 13 may further include a fluidic connector 13d, for example located at the first end 17 of the second part 13c of the drain line 13 and at the second end 132a of the first branch 13a.

[0101] According to one variant, the fluidic connector 13d could be located at the second end 18 of the second part 13c of the discharge pipe 13 and at the second end 132b of the second branch 13b. In this case, the second portion 132c can extend from the second end 132a of the first branch 13a to the first portion 131c of the second part 13c of the discharge pipe 13.

[0102] According to one variant, the fluidic connector 13d could be arranged at any other location on the second part 13c of the discharge line 13 intended to be located outside the tank 3, for example in the middle of the second part 13c of the discharge line 13 along the main elongation direction of the second part 13c.

[0103] The drain pipe 13, for example, is at least partly in the form of a single mechanical part. This results in an easier assembly method for a cooling system 1.

[0104] An example of the dimensioning and operation of an injection line 11 such as that described above is described below with reference to Figure 6. Only the first two openings 12 are shown in Figure 6. The following description applies to an injection line 11 comprising any number of first openings 12.

[0105] The flow of heat transfer fluid into the injection line 11 is represented by an arrow 40. The flow of heat transfer fluid 44 into the injection line 11 is represented by arrows 41. The injection of heat transfer fluid 44 into the tank 3 through at least one first opening 12 is represented by an arrow 42 for each first opening 12.

[0106] The injection line 11 can be configured so as to inject the heat transfer fluid 44 homogeneously along the injection line 11 through the various first openings 12. The injection line 11 can be configured so that the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid exiting the injection line 11 through at least one first opening 12 is equal or substantially equal for all the first openings 12, regardless of the number of first openings 12 of the injection line 11 and regardless of the position of at least one first opening 12 along the injection line 11.

[0107] To determine a geometry and dimensions of an injection pipe 11 allowing an equitable distribution of the outgoing flow through a plurality of first openings 12 of the injection pipe 11, the applicant carried out a calculation of pressure losses, in particular in the case where the first openings 12 are identical or substantially identical.

[0108] The heat transfer fluid entering the injection line 11 through the first end 111a, under the effect of the pump 20, has a pressure higher than the pressure inside the tank 3. To enter the tank 3, the heat transfer fluid can use any first opening 12. To obtain an equitable distribution of the outgoing flow through a plurality of first openings 12 of the line of injection 11, the heat transfer fluid must undergo an identical or substantially identical pressure drop regardless of the first opening 12.

[0109] The flow rate Q of the heat transfer fluid entering the injection line 11 is equal to the sum of the flow rates Ç z of the heat transfer fluid exiting the injection line 11 through each first opening 12:

[0110] Ç = S? =l This z

[0111] i being an integer from 1 to n, n being the number of first openings 12.

[0112] The flow rate Q L is the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid exiting the injection line 11 through the first opening 12 at position i along the injection line 11. The position i of the first opening 12 increments along the injection line 11, with position 1 corresponding to the first opening 12 closest to the first end 111a and position n corresponding to the first opening 12 furthest from the first end 111a.

[0113] In the case of the first two openings of 12, one objective is to have Çi = Q -

[0114] In the case of the first n openings 12, one objective is to have Q L = Çi = Q n regardless of the position i of the first opening 12.

[0115] The further the first opening 12 is from the first end 111a along the injection line 11, the greater the flow rate Q t the heat transfer fluid passing through this first opening 12 is likely to decrease.

[0116] During its passage through the injection line 11, the heat transfer fluid undergoes singular pressure losses, for example, upon exiting through at least one first opening 12 or during a deflection, particularly at the elbow 112b, and pressure losses due to friction against the wall of the injection line 11 during its flow within the injection line 11. If the first openings 12 are identical, the heat transfer fluid experiences the same singular pressure losses regardless of which opening 12 is located at. However, depending on the position i of the first opening 12 along the injection line 11, the frictional pressure losses experienced by the heat transfer fluid vary. These pressure losses depend on the velocity of the heat transfer fluid and therefore on its flow rate.

[0117] For the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid exiting the injection line 11 through at least one first opening 12 to be equal or substantially equal for all first openings 12, regardless of the number of first openings 12 of the injection line 11 and regardless of the position i of at least one first opening 12 along the injection line 11, the injection line 11 can be configured so that the pressure losses due to friction are negligible compared to the singular pressure losses.

[0118] The sum of the diameters D12 of the first openings 12 can be equal or substantially equal to the diameter D11 of the section of the injection pipe 11.

[0119] The sum of the diameters D12 of the first openings 12 can be equal to the diameter D11 of the section of the injection pipe 11, to within 10%.

[0120] For example, the length L11 of the first section 11a of the injection line 11 can be approximately 1.3 meters. The injection line 11 can include seventeen initial openings 12. The distance d11 between two successive initial openings 12 can be approximately 75 millimeters. The diameter D11 of the cross-section of the injection line 11 can be approximately 38 millimeters. The diameter D12 of at least one initial opening 12 can be approximately 2.2 millimeters.

[0121] The material of the first part 11a of the injection line 11 may be chosen so as to minimize pressure losses due to friction.

[0122] The drain pipe 13 can be configured so as to recover the heat transfer fluid homogeneously along the drain pipe 13 through the different second openings 14. The drain pipe 13 can be configured so that the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid entering the drain pipe 13 through at least one second opening 14 is equal or substantially equal for all second openings 14, regardless of the number of second openings 14 of the drain pipe 13 and regardless of the position of at least one second opening 14 along the drain pipe 13.

[0123] To determine the geometry and dimensions of a drainage pipe 13 that would allow for an equitable distribution of the incoming flow through a plurality of initial openings 14 in the drainage pipe 13, the applicant carried out a calculation of pressure losses, particularly in the case where the second openings 14 are identical or substantially identical.

[0124] In the case where the drainage pipe 13 comprises a single branch, the sum of the diameters of the second openings 14 may be equal to or substantially equal to the diameter of the cross-section of the drainage pipe 13. The sum of the diameters of the second openings 14 may be equal to the diameter of the cross-section of the drainage pipe 13, to within 10%.

[0125] The sum of the diameters of the second openings 14a may be equal to or substantially equal to the diameter of the cross-section of the first branch 13a of the drainage pipe 13. The sum of the diameters of the second openings 14b may be equal to or substantially equal to the diameter of the cross-section of the second branch 13b of the drainage pipe 13.

[0126] For example, the length L13a of the first branch 13a of the drainage pipe 13 can be approximately 1.323 meters. The first branch 13a of the drainage pipe 13 can include sixteen secondary openings 14a. The distance d13a between two successive secondary openings 14a can be approximately 80 millimeters. The diameter of the cross-section of the first branch 13a of the drainage pipe 13 can be approximately 25 millimeters. The diameter of at least one secondary opening 14a can be approximately 1.6 millimeters.

[0127] For example, the length L13b of the second branch 13b of the drainage pipe 13 can be approximately 1.3 meters. The second branch 13b of the drainage pipe 13 can include sixteen secondary openings 14b. The distance d13b between two successive secondary openings 14b can be approximately 80 millimeters. The diameter of the cross-section of the second branch 13b of the drainage pipe 13 can be approximately 25 millimeters. The diameter of at least one secondary opening 14b can be approximately 1.6 millimeters.

[0128] The material of the first branch 13a of the drainage pipe 13 may be chosen to minimize pressure losses due to friction. The material of the second branch 13b of the drainage pipe 13 may be chosen to minimize pressure losses due to friction.

[0129] An assembly 100 comprising a cooling system 1 such as that described above and at least one electronic device 50, in particular at least one computer server, is described below with reference to Figure 7.

[0130] At least one electronic device 50 is, for example, a computer server.

[0131] At least one electronic device 50 is, for example, parallelepiped in shape.

[0132] The at least one electronic device 50 comprises, for example, a first longitudinal face 50a, a second longitudinal face 50b, a first lateral face 50c, a second lateral face 50d, a top face 50e, and a bottom face. The first longitudinal face 50a is, in particular, opposite the second longitudinal face 50b. The first lateral face 50c is, in particular, opposite the second lateral face 50d. The top face 50e is, in particular, opposite the bottom face. The at least one electronic device 50 may be arranged inside a tank 3 of the cooling system 1 such that the first and second longitudinal faces 50a, 50b are parallel or substantially parallel to the Y, Z plane. The at least one electronic device 50 may be arranged inside the tank 3 such that the first and second lateral faces 50c, 50d are parallel or substantially parallel to the X, Z plane.At least one electronic device 50 can be arranged inside the tank 3 so that the lower face is opposite the bottom 5 of the tank 3.

[0133] At least one electronic device 50 can be arranged inside the tank 3 so as to be immersed at least partially in heat transfer fluid.

[0134] The assembly 100 may include at least two electronic devices 50 arranged in the tank 3 and spaced apart by a spacing E. Said at least two electronic devices 50 may be arranged so that the second longitudinal face 50b of one of said at least two electronic devices 50 is opposite the first longitudinal face 50a of the other of said at least two electronic devices 50.

[0135] The aforementioned at least two electronic devices 50 may be arranged in the tank 3 such that one of the first openings 12 of the injection line 11 opens into the gap E so as to inject heat transfer fluid directly in said spacing. As a result, the heat transfer fluid is in direct contact with the casing or housing of the electronic devices 50, or even with the electronic components themselves in the event of partial or total removal of the casing, thus enabling them to be cooled directly. This results in high efficiency of such an assembly 100 for cooling at least one electronic device 50 and for energy recovery.

[0136] By the expression "one of the first openings 12 of the injection line 11 opens into the gap E", it is understood that one of the first openings 12 of the injection line 11 is aligned with the gap E.

[0137] In a particular embodiment, one or more openings 12 of the injection line 11 are extended by a conical extension element. This limits fluid dispersion at the outlet of the openings, which further facilitates the flow of the heat transfer fluid directly into the gap E.

[0138] In a particular embodiment, one or more openings 14 of the evacuation pipe are extended by a conical extension element.

[0139] The assembly 100 may comprise a plurality of electronic devices 50 arranged in the tank 3, two successive electronic devices 50 being able to be separated by a spacing E, in particular such that the second longitudinal face 50b of one of the electronic devices 50 is opposite the first longitudinal face 50a of another of the electronic devices 50 or such that the first longitudinal face 50a of one of the electronic devices 50 is opposite the first longitudinal face 50a of another of the electronic devices 50. The spacing E between two successive electronic devices 50 may be equal or substantially equal for the plurality of electronic devices 50. According to one embodiment, the spacing E between two successive electronic devices 50 may vary for the different electronic devices 50.

[0140] The electronic devices 50 can be arranged in the tank 3 such that the first openings 12 of the injection line 11 open into the gaps E between two successive electronic devices 50, thus injecting heat transfer fluid directly into the gaps E between two successive electronic devices 50. As a result, heat transfer fluid is in direct contact with the casing or housing of the electronic devices 50, or even the The electronic components themselves, in the event of partial or total removal of the casing, allow for direct cooling. This results in a high efficiency of 100 for cooling at least one electronic device and for energy recovery.

[0141] One advantage of an assembly 100 including a cooling system 1 such as the one described above lies in high cooling efficiency.

[0142] The operation of an assembly 100 comprising a cooling system 1 of the type described above is described below.

[0143] The direction of flow of the heat transfer fluid in the fluidic circuit 30 is represented by an arrow 32.

[0144] Heat transfer fluid is injected at a first temperature into tank 3 via injection line 11 and by means of pump 20. Heat transfer fluid flows inside injection line 11 away from pump 20 and enters tank 3 through at least one first opening 12. The temperature of the heat transfer fluid increases due to the heat released by at least one electronic device 50. Heat transfer fluid enters discharge line 13 through at least one second opening 14 and flows inside discharge line 13 towards pump 20. Heat transfer fluid is discharged at a second temperature from tank 3, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature, via discharge line 13 and by means of pump 20.

[0145] The heat transfer fluid recovered by and exiting the drain line 13 can pass through a heat exchanger 22 located outside the tank 3. The thermal energy generated during the operation of at least one electronic device 50 can thus be recovered, particularly for reuse. The recoverable thermal power can be managed according to the electrical power consumed by the at least one electronic device 50, notably by computer servers.

[0146] One advantage of an assembly 100 of the type described above lies in the fact that it allows for the almost complete recovery of the electrical power introduced into the assembly 100, particularly in cases where heat losses to the outside of tank 3 are limited thanks to the wall 7 of tank 3 and possibly at the bottom 5 of the tank 3 comprising a layer of thermal insulation, in particular polystyrene, interposed between two layers of stainless steel.

[0147] A thermal management process using a cooling system 1 of the type described above is described below.

[0148] In one stage, at least one electronic device 50, in particular at least one computer server, may be arranged inside a tank 3 of said cooling system 1.

[0149] In one step, at least part of the thermal energy generated by the cooling of at least one electronic device 50 can be recovered via a heat exchanger 22 of said cooling system 1. As a result, the recovered energy can be reused as heat or converted back into cold.

[0150] Although the invention has been described above in the case of a drain line 13 comprising a first branch 13a and a second branch 13b, the drain line 13 could comprise a single branch or more than two branches. Although the invention has been described above in the case of an injection line 11 comprising a single branch, the injection line 11 could comprise several branches.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Cooling system (1) for at least one electronic device (50), said system comprising: - a tank (3) intended to receive a heat transfer fluid, said tank (3) comprising a bottom (5) and a wall (7); - an injection pipe (11) comprising first openings (12) regularly spaced for injecting the heat transfer fluid at a first temperature into the tank (3), said injection pipe (11) extending over a first level (h1); - a discharge pipe (13) comprising second openings (14) regularly spaced for discharging the heat transfer fluid at a second temperature from the tank (3), the second temperature being higher than the first temperature, said discharge pipe (13) extending over a second level (h2), said first level (h1) being proximal to the bottom (5) of the tank and said second level (h2) being distal to the bottom (5) of the tank (3); - a pump (20) for circulating the heat transfer fluid in the tank (3), from the injection line (11) to the discharge line (13); the injection (11) and discharge (13) lines and the pump (20) being configured so as to allow a homogeneous distribution of the heat transfer fluid in the tank (3), the injection line (11) and the discharge line (13) having different configurations.

2. System according to claim 1, in which: - the sum of the diameters of the first openings (12) is equal, to within plus or minus 10%, to the diameter of the section of the injection pipe (11); and / or - the sum of the diameters of the second openings (14) is equal, to within plus or minus 10%, to the diameter of the section of the discharge pipe (13).

3. System according to any one of claims 1 or 2, in which the wall (7) of the tank (3) and / or the bottom (5) of the tank (3) comprises a layer of thermal insulation interposed between two layers of stainless steel.

4. System according to claim 3, wherein the thermal insulation layer comprises at least one polymer, for example polystyrene.

5. System according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the discharge pipe (13) comprises a first branch (13a) and a second branch (13b), said first branch (13a) and said second branch (13b) being parallel to each other.

6. System according to claim 5, in which the injection pipe (11) comprises a main branch whose projection, in a plane passing through the first branch (13a) and through the second branch (13b) of the evacuation pipe (13), is equidistant from said branches (13a, 13b).

7. System according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the tank (3) is closed by a sealed cover (9).

8. System according to any one of claims 1 to 7, said system comprising a heat exchanger (22) intended to receive the heat transfer fluid transmitted by the discharge pipe (13), said heat exchanger (22) being capable of allowing energy recovery.

9. System according to claim 8, in which the heat exchanger (22) is a plate exchanger.

10. System according to any one of claims 8 or 9, said system comprising a thermal energy management device for optimizing the cooling of the electronic device (50) and the energy recovery.

11. System according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in which at least one opening (12) of the injection pipe (11) and / or at least one opening (14) of the discharge pipe (13) is extended by a conical extension element.

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