Liquid cooling distribution unit (CDU) system

Abstract

A liquid cooling distribution unit (CDU) system, relating to the technical field of temperature control apparatuses. The liquid CDU system comprises a CDU unit and a power cable. One end of the power cable is connected to the CDU unit, and the power cable is connected to an elastic member, such that when the CDU unit slides in a set direction, the power cable can be expanded by overcoming the elastic force of the elastic member or can be folded under the action of the elastic force of the elastic member. The elastic connection of the power cable provides a foundation for the overall pull-out maintenance of the CDU unit relative to a cabinet, thereby eliminating the interference of the power cable on the movement of the CDU unit. When maintenance is required, the CDU unit is pulled out of the cabinet, corresponding parts in the CDU unit can be repaired by means of the space outside the cabinet, and the power cable can be adaptively expanded along with the movement of the CDU unit. When the CDU unit is retracted back into the cabinet, the elastic member provides a reset force to adaptively fold the power cable, so as to form a clearance space for mounting the CDU unit, thereby enlarging the space for operation and reducing the difficulty in maintenance.

Description

A liquid-cooled CDU system

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on December 11, 2023, with application number 202311698828.4 and invention name “A Liquid-Cooled CDU System”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of temperature control equipment, and in particular to a liquid-cooled CDU system. Background Art

[0003] Liquid-cooled CDU systems utilize a circulating fluid to directly remove heat from servers, completing the cycle by preparing a low-temperature supply liquid for the servers through a radiator. For rack-mounted liquid-cooled CDU systems, the CDU unit is installed within the server cabinet, which places significant demands on the CDU unit size and required operating space for maintenance. This is especially challenging for 4U CDUs, which require a high heat exchange capacity.

[0004] During maintenance, a liquid-cooled CDU system requires access to the remaining space within the cabinet due to its fixed assembly within the cabinet and the constraints of structures such as power cables. This increases the difficulty of maintenance due to the limited operating space.

[0005] Therefore, how to reduce the maintenance difficulty of the liquid-cooled CDU system is a technical problem that those skilled in the art currently need to solve. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid-cooled CDU system, which can reduce the maintenance difficulty of the liquid-cooled CDU system.

[0007] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0008] A liquid-cooled CDU system includes a CDU unit and a power cord. One end of the power cord is connected to the CDU unit, and the power cord is connected to an elastic member so that when the CDU unit slides in a set direction, the power cord can overcome the elastic force of the elastic member to stretch, or fold under the action of the elastic force of the elastic member.

[0009] Preferably, the CDU unit includes a CDU body and a cover plate that is openably and closably arranged on the CDU body.

[0010] Preferably, a handle is further provided on the surface of the CDU body facing the cover plate.

[0011] Preferably, the CDU unit is slidably connected to the cabinet.

[0012] Preferably, part of the structure of the power cord is housed in the CDU unit to form a built-in wire portion, and the remaining part extends through the interface of the CDU unit and is movable at the interface. The elastic member is built into the CDU unit and connected between the CDU unit and the built-in wire portion to tighten the built-in wire portion.

[0013] Preferably, the elastic member is slidably connected to the built-in wire portion.

[0014] Preferably, the interface and the end of the built-in wire portion connected to the CDU unit are arranged in sequence along the set direction.

[0015] Preferably, the connection position between the elastic member and the CDU unit and the interface are arranged in sequence in a direction perpendicular to the set direction.

[0016] Preferably, the CDU unit includes a primary-side pipeline for connecting to a radiator and a secondary-side pipeline for connecting to an object to be cooled; the primary-side pipeline and the secondary-side pipeline are connected via a heat exchanger; the secondary-side pipeline includes a circulation pump pipeline connected in series to the inlet side of the object to be cooled, and the circulation pump pipeline includes at least two circulation pump branches connected in parallel, each of the circulation pump branches is respectively provided with a secondary-side circulation pump and a branch control valve respectively connected in series on both sides of the secondary-side circulation pump, so that the circulation pump branch can be controlled on and off by the corresponding branch control valve.

[0017] Preferably, the CDU unit includes a primary-side pipeline for connecting to a radiator and a secondary-side pipeline for connecting to an object to be cooled; the primary-side pipeline and the secondary-side pipeline are connected via a heat exchanger; on the secondary-side pipeline: at least two secondary-side supply liquid temperature sensors and at least two secondary-side supply liquid pressure sensors are provided on the pipeline on the inlet side of the object to be cooled; and at least two secondary-side return liquid temperature sensors and at least two secondary-side return liquid pressure sensors are provided on the pipeline on the outlet side of the object to be cooled.

[0018] The liquid-cooled CDU system provided by the present invention includes a CDU unit and a power cord. One end of the power cord is connected to the CDU unit, and the power cord is connected to an elastic member so that when the CDU unit slides in a set direction, the power cord can overcome the elastic force of the elastic member to stretch or fold under the action of the elastic force of the elastic member.

[0019] The elastic connection of the power cord provides a basis for the overall retractable maintenance of the CDU unit relative to the cabinet, eliminating the interference of the power cord on the movement of the CDU unit. After being assembled in the cabinet, when maintenance is required, the CDU unit is pulled out of the cabinet and the corresponding components in the CDU unit are repaired with the help of the space outside the cabinet. The power cord can be adaptively unfolded as the CDU unit moves. After the CDU unit retracts into the cabinet, the elastic part provides a reset force to adaptively fold the power cord to avoid space for installing the CDU unit, thereby increasing the operating space and reducing the difficulty of maintenance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without paying any creative work.

[0021] FIG1 is an appearance diagram of the liquid-cooled CDU system provided by the present invention with the cover opened;

[0022] FIG2 is a top view of the liquid-cooled CDU system provided by the present invention, wherein the left side of the cabinet illustrates the different states of the cables and elastic members inside the cabinet, and the position in the dotted box on the right corresponds to the CDU unit in the dotted box in FIG1 ;

[0023] FIG3 is a front view of the liquid-cooled CDU system provided by the present invention with the cover opened;

[0024] FIG4 is a layout diagram of the CDU units in the liquid-cooled CDU system provided by the present invention.

[0025] Figure 1: CDU unit 1, handle 11, CDU body 12; secondary side pipeline 2, expansion tank 21, drain branch 22, drain valve 221, circulation branch 23, branch control valve 231, secondary side circulation pump 232, branch check valve 233, safety pressure relief valve 24, secondary side liquid supply temperature sensor 25, secondary side liquid supply pressure sensor 26, exhaust branch 27, exhaust valve 271, secondary side return liquid pressure sensor 28, secondary side return liquid temperature sensor 29, pump inlet pressure sensor 210, replenishment branch 211, replenishment tank 2111, replenishment pump 2112, replenishment check valve 2113, replenishment tank exhaust port 2114, replenishment tank replenishment port 2115, circulation pump pipeline 212; server terminal cold plate 3, filter 31; heat exchanger 4; primary side pipeline 5, primary side inlet temperature sensor 51, primary side inlet pressure sensor 52, Primary outlet pressure sensor 53, primary outlet temperature sensor 54; radiator 6, electric two-way regulating valve 61; cover plate 7, front cover plate 71, upper cover plate 72, interface 73, display panel 74, locking structure 75; power cord 8, internal wire part 81, elastic member 82. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] The core of the present invention is to provide a liquid-cooled CDU system, which can reduce the maintenance difficulty of the liquid-cooled CDU system.

[0028] 1 to 3 , a first embodiment of the liquid-cooled CDU system provided by the present invention includes a CDU unit 1 assembled in a cabinet. Specifically, the CDU unit 1 is slidably connected to the cabinet so as to be able to extend or retract in the cabinet.

[0029] The liquid-cooled CDU system also includes a power cord 8 connected to the CDU unit 1 at one end. This cord is connected to an elastic member 82, specifically a tension spring. This elastic member 82 prevents the connected portion from moving freely. When the CDU unit 1 slides in a set direction, the power cord 8 can either stretch against the elastic force of the elastic member 82 or fold under the force of the elastic member 82. When assembled in a cabinet, the set direction corresponds to the direction in which the CDU unit 1 can slide relative to the cabinet, extending or retracting within the cabinet.

[0030] In this embodiment, the elastic connection of the power cord 8 provides a basis for the overall pull-out maintenance of the CDU unit 1 relative to the cabinet, eliminating the interference of the power cord on the movement of the CDU unit 1. After being assembled in the cabinet, when maintenance is required, the CDU unit 1 is pulled out of the cabinet, and the corresponding components in the CDU unit 1 are repaired with the help of the space outside the cabinet. The power cord 8 can be adaptively unfolded as the CDU unit 1 moves. After the CDU unit 1 retracts into the cabinet, the elastic member 82 provides a reset force to adaptively fold the power cord 8 to avoid space for installing the CDU unit 1, thereby increasing the operating space and reducing the difficulty of maintenance.

[0031] Furthermore, the CDU unit 1 includes a CDU body 12 and a cover 7 that is openably and closably mounted on the CDU body 12. The CDU body 12 refers to the functional components of the CDU unit 1. When the cover 7 is open, the portions of the CDU body 12 that require maintenance are exposed. When maintenance is not required, the cover 7 can be closed to cover the designated mounting locations on the CDU body 12 to protect the functional components of the CDU body 12. Optionally, the cover 7 can include a front cover 71 and an upper cover 72, both of which can be hinged to the CDU body 12, or they can be integrally formed and hinged to the CDU body 12 via the upper cover 72.

[0032] Furthermore, a handle 11 is provided on the surface of the CDU unit 1 facing the cover 7, as shown in FIG3 . After the cover 7 is opened, the handle 11 is exposed, and the staff can pull the handle 11 to pull the CDU unit 1 out of the cabinet, further facilitating the pulling and removing operation.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, a portion of the power cord 8 is housed within the CDU 1 to form an internal cable section 81. This means that at least a portion of the power cord 8 is protected by the CDU 1. The remaining portion extends through the interface 73 of the CDU 1 and is movable within the interface 73. An elastic member 82 is internal to the CDU 1 and connected between the CDU 1 and the internal cable section 81 to tighten the internal cable section 81. The CDU 1 can position and align the internal elastic member 82, thereby protecting it.

[0034] Among them, the built-in wire portion 81 refers to the part built into the CDU unit 1 in different states, and is not a fixed structure on the power cord 8. As shown in Figure 2, the solid line built-in wire portion 81 simply illustrates the initial state of the built-in wire portion 81, that is, the state in which the CDU unit 1 is retracted into place in the cabinet, and the dotted line built-in wire portion 81 simply illustrates the state of the built-in wire portion 81 after the CDU unit 1 extends a certain length out of the cabinet. At this time, the elastic member 82 is stretched and the deformation increases. In addition, two elastic members 82 can be provided. In addition, the maximum outward pulling distance of the CDU unit 1 is 440 mm. Accordingly, the built-in wire portion 81 has at least 440 mm of movable space in the movement direction of the CDU unit 1 from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0035] Furthermore, the elastic member 82 is slidably connected to the built-in wire portion 81 to prevent the elastic member 82 from affecting the movement of the built-in wire portion 81 . When the built-in wire portion 81 is unfolded, the elastic member 82 can adaptively slide on the built-in wire portion 81 .

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in FIG2 , the interface 73 and the end portion of the built-in wire portion 81 connected to the CDU unit 1 are arranged sequentially along a set direction (left-right direction in FIG2 ). In addition, the connection position of the elastic member 82 to the CDU unit 1 and the interface 73 are arranged sequentially in a direction perpendicular to the set direction. This allows the built-in wire portion 81 to be folded in a direction perpendicular to the set direction of movement of the CDU unit 1, making full use of the space within the CDU unit 1 and facilitating assembly. Furthermore, a wire cavity may be provided in the CDU unit 1, such as at the top of the CDU unit 1, with the elastic member 82 and the built-in wire portion 81 both located within the wire cavity to constrain the deformation or movement direction of the elastic member 82 and the built-in wire portion 81.

[0037] Of course, in other embodiments, the power cord 8 may be placed outside the CDU unit 1 and connected to the cabinet via the elastic member 82 .

[0038] Furthermore, with regard to the specific setting of the CDU unit 1, as shown in FIG4 , the CDU unit (more specifically, the CDU main body 12) includes a primary side pipeline 5 for connecting to the radiator 6 and a secondary side pipeline 2 for connecting to the object to be cooled. The secondary side pipeline 2 provides cooling for the object to be cooled, and the primary side pipeline 5 provides cooling for the circulating working medium of the secondary side pipeline 2. The secondary side pipeline 2 completes the circulating cooling through the secondary side circulating pump 232 inside the CDU unit, and the primary side pipeline 5 completes the circulating cooling through the primary side circulating pump of the client and the radiator 6. In this embodiment, the object to be cooled is the server terminal cold plate 3 in the server to dissipate heat for the server. At this time, the CDU unit can be installed in the server cabinet. In other embodiments, the object to be cooled can also be a structure that needs to be cooled or cooled.

[0039] Radiator 6 cools the high-temperature return water from the indoor servers, providing low-temperature supply water for the servers. In practical applications, radiator 6 can be placed outdoors as a standalone device, utilizing the outdoor cooling source to cool the circulating fluid. Furthermore, placing radiator 6 externally provides efficient maintenance space indoors or within the cabinet for the CDU unit.

[0040] The primary pipelines 5 and 5 are connected via a heat exchanger 4. Heat exchanger 4 utilizes the cooling medium in primary pipeline 5 and the cooling medium in secondary pipeline 2 to perform circulatory convection heat exchange, enabling secondary pipeline 2 to continuously provide low-temperature cooling medium to the server, achieving cooling. Heat exchanger 4 is specifically a plate heat exchanger.

[0041] Among them, the secondary side pipeline 2 includes a circulating pump pipeline 212 connected in series to the inlet side of the server terminal cold plate 3, and the circulating pump pipeline 212 includes two circulating pump branches 23 connected in parallel. In other embodiments, if space permits, there may be more than two. Each circulating pump branch 23 is respectively provided with a secondary side circulating pump 232 and a branch control valve 231 connected in series on both sides of the secondary side circulating pump 232, so as to control the on and off of the circulating pump branch 23 through the corresponding branch control valve 231. The secondary side circulating pump 232 can provide circulating power for the system and overcome the system resistance. The secondary side circulating pump 232 is specifically a circulating water pump, such as a horizontal centrifugal variable frequency water pump. The variable frequency regulation of the secondary side circulating pump 232 can meet the requirements of different flow rates under variable load conditions. The branch control valve 231 is preferably a ball valve with good pressure resistance. In addition, the start and stop or on and off control of the branch control valve 231 and the secondary side circulating pump 232 can be manually operated directly on the corresponding components, or electronically controlled.

[0042] When in use, one of the circulation pump branches 23 can be put into use, that is, the branch control valve 231 in the circulation pump branch 23 is opened, and the secondary side circulation pump 232 is connected to the secondary side pipeline 2; the other circulation pump branch 23 is stopped from use, that is, the branch control valve 231 in the circulation pump branch 23 is closed, and the connection between the secondary side circulation pump 232 on the circulation pump branch 23 and other components in the secondary side pipeline 2 is cut off.

[0043] In the secondary side pipeline 2, when the system is operating normally, the low-temperature working fluid coming out of the secondary side circulation pump 232 passes through the server terminal cold plate 3, takes away its heat, and thus becomes a high-temperature working fluid, completing the purpose of cooling the server; the high-temperature working fluid comes out of the server terminal cold plate 3 and returns to the heat exchanger 4. After heat exchange with the circulating working fluid in the primary side pipeline 5 at the heat exchanger 4, the high-temperature working fluid is cooled into a low-temperature working fluid again, and continues to provide the server terminal cold plate 3 with low-temperature working fluid through the secondary side circulation pump 232, thereby completing the refrigeration cycle and achieving the purpose of maintaining the server at a continuously low temperature.

[0044] Since two circulation pump branches 23 are provided, each having a secondary-side circulation pump 232, and a branch control valve 231 is provided on the circulation pump branch 23 to control the application of the corresponding secondary-side circulation pump 232, the secondary-side circulation water pumps on the two circulation pump branches 23 serve as backups for each other and can support online replacement and maintenance. When the secondary-side circulation pump 232 on one of the circulation pump branches 23 fails, the secondary-side circulation pump 232 on the other circulation pump branch 23 starts to run, and the valve of the previous circulation pump branch 23 is closed. The secondary-side circulation pump 232 that has failed on the previous circulation pump branch 23 can be disassembled, repaired and replaced, realizing non-stop online maintenance without the need for shutdown, which can reduce the economic losses caused by equipment maintenance, effectively reduce maintenance costs, and improve the maintainability of the system. In addition, during use, the two circulation pump branches 23 can also operate alternately, which is beneficial to extending the service life of each secondary-side circulation pump 232.

[0045] In addition, the CDU unit 1 also includes an electrical control box, which can be connected to components within the CDU unit 1 that require electrical control. The pull-out maintenance of the CDU unit 1 primarily facilitates maintenance of the electrical control box and the secondary-side circulation pump 232. By pulling the CDU unit 1 a certain distance out of the cabinet using the handle 11 on the front, the maintainable area of ​​the CDU unit 1 extends out of the cabinet and becomes exposed. By removing the upper cover 7 at the pull-out position of the CDU unit 1, maintenance operations can be performed on the secondary-side circulation pump 232 and the electrical control box on the CDU unit 1. While the secondary-side circulation pump 232 can be maintained and replaced, maintenance of the electrical control box should be performed with the power off to avoid accidents.

[0046] Furthermore, each circulating pump branch 23 is connected in series with a branch check valve 233. The check valve serves a one-way function, allowing the working fluid to flow in only one direction and preventing it from flowing back toward the secondary circulating pump 232 on the circulating pump branch 23. This prevents the liquid from exerting a backlash on the pipeline and pump when the pump is stopped. Preferably, the branch check valve 233 is disposed between the outlet of the secondary circulating pump 232 and the outlet-side branch control valve 231 of the secondary circulating pump 232.

[0047] Furthermore, on the secondary side pipeline 2, to detect the pressure and temperature of the supply and return liquid, two secondary side supply liquid temperature sensors 25 and two secondary side supply liquid pressure sensors 26 are installed on the pipeline on the inlet side of the server terminal cold plate 3 to detect the temperature and pressure of the liquid supplied to the server terminal cold plate 3. Specifically, the secondary side supply liquid pressure sensor 26 is located between the server terminal cold plate 3 and the circulation pump branch 23. At the same time, on the secondary side pipeline 2, two secondary side return liquid temperature sensors 29 and two secondary side return liquid pressure sensors 28 are installed on the pipeline on the outlet side of the server terminal cold plate 3 to detect the temperature and pressure of the return liquid from the server terminal cold plate 3. Of course, more than two of the above temperature sensors and pressure sensors can be used if space permits.

[0048] Since the pressure sensors and temperature sensors with the same function are both backed up, they can be replaced in time when the components involved in the actual logic control are damaged, without affecting the normal operation of the CDU unit.

[0049] In addition, based on the secondary side return liquid temperature sensor 29, the secondary side return liquid pressure sensor 28, the secondary side supply liquid pressure sensor 26, and the secondary side supply liquid temperature sensor 25, the CDU unit can realize automatic operation mode. The CDU unit can have both manual and automatic operation modes.

[0050] Among them, the manual operation mode of the CDU unit: when operation is required, a manual mode instruction is manually sent to the main control board of the CDU unit (which can be set in the electrical control box on the CDU unit) through the upper computer. When the CDU unit is ready to start operation, a secondary side circulation pump 232 is turned on and runs at the set speed; when shutdown is required, a shutdown instruction is manually sent to the main control board of the CDU unit through the upper computer, and the secondary side circulation pump 232 stops running.

[0051] Among them, the automatic operation modes of the CDU unit include cooling mode and anti-condensation priority mode.

[0052] Refrigeration mode: When the system is fault-free and the server's refrigeration demand reaches 100% of the demand set point (settable), the refrigeration mode is turned on. On the secondary side pipeline 2, when the refrigeration demand reaches the set point, the secondary side circulation pump 232 is adjusted according to the server's refrigeration demand. Among them, there are three main ways to adjust the secondary side circulation pump 232: CDU inlet and outlet pressure difference, CDU flow rate and CDU supply and return liquid temperature difference. The server's refrigeration demand is calculated based on the detection values ​​of the corresponding parameters, and the secondary side circulation pump 232 is adjusted. An electric two-way regulating valve 61 is set on the primary side pipeline 5. The electric two-way regulating valve 61 is specifically a water valve. Its adjustment method is based on the supply liquid temperature of the secondary side pipeline 2 to the server, and the demand is calculated based on the detection value, and then the electric two-way regulating valve 61 is proportionally adjusted.

[0053] Anti-condensation priority mode: Same as the cooling mode, when the setting of the liquid supply temperature of the secondary side pipeline 2 to the server is lower than the dew point temperature +3°C (settable), the secondary side circulation pump 232 and the electric two-way regulating valve 61 are adjusted according to the liquid supply temperature being the dew point temperature (i.e. +3°C).

[0054] Furthermore, the CDU unit also includes a safety relief valve 24 connected to the secondary side pipeline 2. When the pressure of the working medium in the secondary side pipeline 2 exceeds the specified value, the safety relief valve 24 opens, releasing part of the medium to maintain system balance, avoiding excessive pressure that affects system operation and causes malfunctions.

[0055] The CDU unit further includes an exhaust branch 27 connected to the secondary pipe 2 at one end. Exhaust valve 271 is provided on exhaust branch 27. Exhaust valve 271 is specifically a needle valve. When a small amount of gas is generated during the heat exchange process, it is discharged through exhaust valve 271 to prevent cavitation of the circulating water pump during the circulation process, thereby affecting the heat exchange effect.

[0056] Furthermore, a filter 31 is connected to the inlet side of the server terminal cold plate 3. The filter 31 can filter out impurities in the system, ensure the cleanliness of the system's circulating water, and avoid causing dirt and blockage to the server terminal cold plate 33 system. Specifically, on the liquid supply side of the secondary side pipeline 2, the outlet side of the circulating pump pipeline 212 is connected in sequence to the safety pressure relief valve 24, the liquid supply side sensor group (including the secondary side liquid supply temperature sensor 25 and the secondary side liquid supply pressure sensor 26), and the exhaust branch 27. After the water from a circulating pump branch 23 is put into use, it enters the server terminal cold plate 3 through the filter 31. After that, the working fluid enters the return liquid side on the secondary side pipeline 2, and then flows back to the liquid supply side after passing through the heat exchanger 4. In addition, the filter 31 is installed at the inlet of the server terminal cold plate 33 and is located outside the CDU unit and the secondary side pipeline 2. That is, the liquid supply port of the secondary side pipeline 2 is connected to the inlet of the filter 31, which not only saves space in the CDU unit, but also ensures that the water quality directly entering the server is clean and reliable, and improves the installation and use of system components.

[0057] Furthermore, the CDU unit also includes a fluid replenishment branch 211, one end of which is connected to the secondary side pipeline 2 and the inlet side of the circulation pump pipeline 212. The fluid replenishment branch 211 is connected to the fluid replenishment pump 2112 and the fluid replenishment tank 2111. When the system is in a fluid-deficient state, the fluid replenishment tank 2111 provides circulating working fluid for the secondary side pipeline 2. Specifically, a fluid replenishment check valve 211 can also be provided on the fluid replenishment branch 211. In addition, the CDU unit can also include a drainage branch 2222, one end of which is connected to the secondary side pipeline 2 and is provided with a drainage valve 221, specifically a needle valve.

[0058] Among them, a liquid level sensor is set at the bottom of the liquid replenishment tank 2111, which monitors the liquid level of the water tank in real time through the liquid level sensor. When the liquid level is too low, a low liquid level alarm is issued to promptly notify the on-site maintenance personnel to add water to the liquid replenishment tank 2111.

[0059] Among them, in order to realize the automatic control of fluid replenishment, a pump inlet pressure sensor 210 is set on the secondary side pipeline 2, which is located between the circulation pump pipeline 212 and the fluid replenishment branch 211. The fluid replenishment tank 2111 can replenish fluid to the circulation pump branch 23 when the detection value of the pump inlet pressure sensor 210 is lower than the preset pump inlet pressure value. If the pressure at the inlet of the secondary side circulation pump 232 is lower than the low-level set point, the fluid replenishment pump 2112 automatically starts and injects the working fluid in the fluid replenishment tank 2111 into the system until the pressure reaches the high-level set point. The fluid replenishment pump 2112 stops working, thereby ensuring that the system is always in a full liquid state. Fluid replenishment can be carried out during the operation of the CDU unit. Specifically, the pump inlet pressure sensor 210 and the fluid replenishment pump 2112 are both connected to the main control board, and the above control is realized through the main control board.

[0060] Two pump inlet pressure sensors 210 are provided on the secondary side pipeline 2, and more may be provided in other embodiments. Because the pump inlet pressure sensors 210 are dual-redundant, any damage to components involved in actual logic control can be promptly replaced without affecting the normal operation of the CDU unit.

[0061] Among them, on the primary side pipeline 5 and the secondary side pipeline 2, each pressure sensor can adopt the needle valve external sensor connection method, which is convenient for disassembly and maintenance, and the temperature sensor is blind hole installed, which is also convenient for maintenance and can be directly disassembled.

[0062] The automatic refilling system and operating logic of the refill tank 2111 include: before starting the CDU unit, first fill the refill tank 2111 with water through the refill port 2115 of the refill tank, then start the unit, turn off the secondary side circulation pump 232, turn on the refill pump 2112, and manually fill water into the system. The system is left to stand still. When the pressure detected by the pump inlet pressure sensor 210 reaches the target value and there is no obvious gas in the system, the refill is completed.

[0063] When the CDU unit is operating, rehydration pump 2112 is set to automatic mode. When the value detected by pump inlet pressure sensor 210 is less than the rehydration set value of 0.3 bar (settable) for 30 seconds (settable), the main control board sends a signal to close the relay of rehydration pump 2112, turning on rehydration pump 2112. Furthermore, after rehydration pump 2112 is turned on, it can intermittently rehydrate. For example, rehydration pump 2112 can run for 5 seconds (settable) and then stop for 5 seconds (settable), repeating this cycle. This can bring the pressure after rehydration closer to the target set value. When the value fed back by pump inlet pressure sensor 210 is greater than or equal to the target value, rehydration pump 2112 stops, and automatic rehydration ends. During automatic rehydration, secondary-side circulation pump 232 can continue to operate.

[0064] Furthermore, an expansion tank 21 is connected to the secondary side pipeline 2, located on the inlet side of the circulation pump pipeline 212. The addition of the expansion tank 21 can provide stable pressure to the closed system composed of the secondary side pipeline 2 and the server terminal cold plate 3. When the pressure of the water loss in the closed system decreases, the gas pressure in the expansion tank 21 is greater than the water pressure. At this time, the gas expands and squeezes the water in the airbag out to replenish the closed system until the pressure is balanced; when the water in the closed system expands due to heat and the pressure increases and exceeds the gas pressure in the expansion tank 21, the gas is compressed, and the water in the closed system will flow into the airbag of the expansion tank 21 until the pressure is balanced. In addition, since the expansion tank 21 is located on the inlet side of the secondary side circulation pump 232, it can prevent the secondary side circulation pump 232 from cavitation due to low system pressure. At the same time, the expansion tank 21 can be installed on the outside of the CDU unit, which can increase the maintainable space of the CDU unit in the cabinet.

[0065] Furthermore, on the primary side pipeline 5, the outlet water of the primary side pipeline 5 enters the radiator 6 through the electric two-way regulating valve 61. The electric two-way regulating valve 61 can more accurately adjust the circulation flow of the primary side pipeline 5, enhance or weaken the convective heat exchange on both sides, and through logical control, the liquid supply temperature of the secondary side pipeline 2 can be adjusted in real time to reach the required temperature.

[0066] In addition, on the primary side pipeline 5, a primary side inlet temperature sensor 51 and a primary side inlet pressure sensor 52 are set on the inlet side of the radiator 6, and a primary side outlet temperature sensor 54 and a primary side outlet pressure sensor 53 are set on the outlet side of the radiator 6, so that the temperature and pressure conditions of the primary side pipeline 5 can be monitored in real time.

[0067] In this embodiment, the CDU unit's primary pipeline 5 includes a primary inlet pressure sensor 52, a primary inlet temperature sensor 51, a primary outlet pressure sensor 53, and a primary outlet temperature sensor 54, all connected sequentially via pipelines. The secondary pipeline 2 includes a liquid replenishment tank 2111, a liquid replenishment pump 2112, a liquid replenishment check valve 2113, a pump inlet pressure sensor 210, an expansion tank 21, a circulating pump branch 23, a safety relief valve 24, a secondary supply liquid temperature sensor 25, a secondary supply liquid pressure sensor 26, an exhaust valve 271, a secondary return liquid pressure sensor 28, and a secondary return liquid temperature sensor 29, all connected sequentially via pipelines. The primary pipeline 5 cools the high-temperature fluid flowing out of the secondary pipeline 2, providing low-temperature cooling fluid for the servers inside the room. The secondary pipeline 2 provides cooling capacity for the servers, thereby cooling them.

[0068] The advantages of this CDU unit include: dual-pump online maintenance, with the secondary-side circulation pump 232 able to be replaced online without downtime, reducing losses incurred when servers are shut down for maintenance and replacement. The pressure and temperature sensors on the secondary-side pipeline 2 can be replaced and maintained online, with backups provided for sensors with the same function. When one sensor fails, affecting the control and operation of the CDU system, the other backup sensor can be used to ensure stable operation of the CDU system. It fully utilizes the outdoor natural cooling source and optimizes the layout of the system components, reducing energy loss while saving operating and maintenance costs, enabling the entire system to operate reliably and stably throughout the year. This liquid-cooled CDU system enables online maintenance of key system components and is suitable for 21-inch cabinets and 4U frame-mounted liquid-cooled CDUs. It also meets the performance requirements of a large 80kW heat exchange capacity, increases the maintainability and operability of key components, and reduces subsequent system maintenance time and costs.

[0069] Furthermore, regarding the configuration of the display panel 74 of the CDU unit 1, as shown in Figure 1, the front cover 71 is provided with a display panel 74 that is communicatively connected to the CDU body 12, which can be connected by wire or wirelessly. The display screen of the display panel 74 is exposed on the front side of the front cover 71, so that the information on the display panel 74 can be viewed at any time from the front side of the front cover 71. The remaining components of the display panel 74, such as the back panel, can be built into the front cover 71 according to installation requirements. Of course, the display panel 74 can also be entirely externally mounted on the front cover 71. The front cover 71 can be flipped upward relative to the CDU body 12 to adjust the angle of the display screen relative to the CDU body 12.

[0070] In addition, the display panel 74 has a control module, and accordingly, buttons and knobs are set on the display screen, or the display screen is a touch screen to realize the control function of the control module. The display panel 74 is the operation control interface on the front cover 71. In other embodiments, the display panel 74 can also have only a display function.

[0071] Due to the flippability of the front cover 71 relative to the CDU body 12, when there is a height difference between the staff and the display screen, there is no need to squat to a height where the line of sight is roughly consistent with the display panel 74. As long as the staff stands in a posture that can adjust the height of the front cover 71, the front cover 71 can be flipped so that the display panel 74 is closer to the horizontal direction with the front cover 71, and the staff can look down to view it, which can improve the comfort of use.

[0072] Furthermore, the display panel 74 is integrally fixed to the front cover 71. Specifically, the display panel 74 can be embedded in the front cover 71. In other embodiments, the display panel 74 can also be rotatably connected to the front cover 71. In addition, the display panel 74 can be centrally located on the front cover 71. When the front cover 71 is flipped over, there are force application points on the front cover 71 around the display screen. When adjusting the position of the display panel 74, the force application points are located on the front cover 71, which can reduce damage to the display panel 74 and extend the service life of the display panel 74.

[0073] Furthermore, the top of the front cover 71 is connected to the top of the CDU body 12 via a hinge axis, which can increase the flip angle of the front cover 71, specifically, it can be completely flipped above the top of the CDU body 12. In other embodiments, the middle portion of the front cover 71 can also be hinged to the CDU body 12.

[0074] Furthermore, a locking structure 75 is provided between the front cover 71 and the CDU body 12 to lock the front cover 71 to the CDU body 12, thereby preventing the front cover 71 from moving freely when it is not needed. After the locking structure 75 is unlocked, the front cover 71 can be flipped relative to the CDU body 12 without affecting the mobility of the display panel 74. Specifically, the locking structure 75 can be a knob, a button, or other structure.

[0075] Furthermore, the locking structure 75 protrudes from the front surface of the front cover 71. After unlocking the locking structure 75, the protruding portion of the locking structure 75 can be directly grasped, increasing operational convenience. In addition, the locking structure 75 is located below the display panel 74, preventing your arm from obstructing your view when grasping the locking structure 75.

[0076] Furthermore, a handle is provided on the front surface of the CDU body 12. After the front cover 71 is opened, the CDU body 12 can be pulled out of the cabinet by pulling the handle, so as to facilitate maintenance.

[0077] The liquid-cooled CDU system in this embodiment has a flip-up design, which allows the operation panel to be flipped online. In an actual working environment, the display panel 74 is positioned too low, making it inconvenient for manual operation of the display screen. The locking structure 75 of the front cover 71 can be opened to flip up the front cover 71 for actual operation, thereby increasing the comfort of manual operation of the display screen.

[0078] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed" to another element, it may be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. When an element is referred to as being "connected" to another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. In addition, in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "plurality," "plurality," and "plurality of groups" mean two or more.

[0079] Terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" indicate positions or locations based on those shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are intended solely to facilitate and simplify the description of the present invention and are not intended to indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the technical features referred to.

[0080] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. The terms used in this specification of the present invention are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0081] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other.

[0082] The above describes in detail the liquid-cooled CDU system provided by the present invention. This article uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The description of the above examples is only intended to facilitate understanding of the method and core concept of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art may make various improvements and modifications to the present invention without departing from the principles of the present invention, and such improvements and modifications also fall within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquid-cooled CDU system, characterized in that: The invention comprises a CDU unit (1) and a power cord (8), wherein one end of the power cord (8) is connected to the CDU unit (1), and the power cord (8) is connected to an elastic member, so that when the CDU unit (1) slides in a set direction, the power cord (8) can overcome the elastic force of the elastic member to stretch, or fold under the action of the elastic force of the elastic member.

2. The liquid-cooled CDU system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The CDU unit (1) comprises a CDU body (12) and a cover plate (7) which is openably and closably arranged on the CDU body (12).

3. The liquid-cooled CDU system according to claim 2, characterized in that: A handle (11) is also provided on the surface of the CDU body (12) facing the cover plate (7).

4. The liquid-cooled CDU system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: It also includes a CDU unit (1) which is slidably connected in the cabinet.

5. The liquid-cooled CDU system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Part of the structure of the power cord (8) is accommodated in the CDU unit (1) to form a built-in cord portion (81), and the remaining portion extends out through an interface (73) of the CDU unit (1) and is movable at the interface (73). The elastic member (82) is built into the CDU unit (1) and connected between the CDU unit (1) and the built-in cord portion (81) to tighten the built-in cord portion (81).

6. The liquid-cooled CDU system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The elastic member (82) is slidably connected to the built-in wire portion (81).

7. The liquid-cooled CDU system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The interface (73) and the built-in wire portion (81) are connected to the end of the CDU unit (1) and are arranged in sequence along the set direction.

8. The liquid-cooled CDU system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The connection position between the elastic member and the CDU unit (1) and the interface (73) are arranged in sequence in a direction perpendicular to the set direction.

9. The liquid-cooled CDU system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The CDU unit (1) comprises a primary side pipeline (5) for connecting to a radiator (6) and a secondary side pipeline (2) for connecting to an object to be cooled; the primary side pipeline (5) and the secondary side pipeline (5) are connected via a heat exchanger (4); the secondary side pipeline (2) comprises a circulation pump pipeline (212) connected in series to the inlet side of the object to be cooled, the circulation pump pipeline (212) comprises at least two circulation pump branches (23) connected in parallel, each circulation pump branch (23) is provided with a secondary side circulation pump (232) and a branch control valve (231) connected in series to both sides of the secondary side circulation pump (232), so as to control the on-off of the circulation pump branch (23) through the corresponding branch control valve (231).

10. The liquid-cooled CDU system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The CDU unit (1) comprises a primary side pipeline (5) for connecting to a radiator (6) and a secondary side pipeline (2) for connecting to an object to be cooled; the primary side pipeline (5) and the secondary side pipeline (5) are connected via a heat exchanger (4); on the secondary side pipeline (2): at least two secondary side liquid supply temperature sensors (25) and at least two secondary side liquid supply pressure sensors (26) are arranged on the pipeline on the inlet side of the object to be cooled; and at least two secondary side liquid return temperature sensors (29) and at least two secondary side liquid return pressure sensors (28) are arranged on the pipeline on the outlet side of the object to be cooled.

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