Arrangement for the direct liquid cooling system of an it infrastructure with modular control

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement for the direct liquid cooling system (DLC) of an IT infrastructure, wherein the arrangement has at least one housing or an IT rack (1) with a plurality of drawers (2), arranged one above the other in the vertical direction (z) of the housing or the IT rack (1), for insertable devices (2.1) of a direct liquid cooling system (DLC) and / or an IT infrastructure, characterized in that one of the insertable devices (2.1) is a control module, which is inserted into one of the drawers (2) and designed to control at least one second insertable device (2.1) of the direct liquid cooling system (DLC) which is inserted into another of the drawers (2).

Description

[0001] Arrangement for direct liquid cooling of an IT infrastructure with modular control

[0002] The invention relates to an arrangement for direct liquid cooling (DLC) of an IT infrastructure, wherein the arrangement comprises at least one housing or an IT rack with a plurality of plug-in units arranged one above the other in the vertical direction of the housing or IT rack for plug-in devices of a direct liquid cooling (DLC) and / or an IT infrastructure. Such an arrangement is known from US 2007 / 0274043 A1. A similar arrangement is described in US 11,395,443 B2.

[0003] Examples of plug-in devices for direct liquid cooling (DLC) include coolant distribution units (CDU) and reservoir and pump units (RPU), several of which are provided to provide the required flow rate and for redundancy reasons. The devices are self-contained and, in particular, each have their own control unit. The CDU handles the function of distributing the coolant to devices in the IT infrastructure that require cooling. The CDU separates the

[0004] The CDU divides the coolants provided by chillers / free cooling systems, e.g., water (primary circuit) and the fluid flowing through the IT infrastructure equipment (secondary circuit), into two circuits. The CDU is also responsible for ensuring that the water from the secondary circuit is pumped throughout the entire IT infrastructure at the correct temperature and pressure.

[0005] CDUs housed in IT racks, as used in the data center industry, are difficult to repair or replace during operation. In addition to the CDU in the rack, there are other methods of direct liquid cooling of microchips, such as air-assisted units, in which an RPU (reservoir pumping unit) and a liquid-to-air heat exchanger transfer the heat generated by the microchips to the air using the heat-transporting fluid.

[0006] The known arrangements have the disadvantage that, in the event of a failure of one of the plug-in devices inserted into the slots, replacing the affected device is complex and, in particular, takes a certain amount of time. During this time, the direct liquid cooling cannot operate or can only operate at reduced cooling capacity. This can lead, for example, to IT components installed in the IT racks, such as server slots, having to be taken out of service or operated at reduced power to prevent the devices from overheating. The control units of the plug-in devices, which are installed in a housing of the plug-in device and are inaccessible for easy replacement or repair, are particularly susceptible to failure.

[0007] It is therefore the object of the invention to further develop the arrangement described at the outset in such a way that it is prepared for the simple replacement of a control unit.

[0008] This object is achieved by an arrangement having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] Accordingly, it is provided that one of the plug-in devices is a control module that is inserted into one of the plug-in units and is configured to control at least one second plug-in unit of the direct liquid cooling system that is inserted into another of the plug-in units. The control units previously installed in the various second plug-in units, such as the control unit of a CDU or an RPU, can be omitted in one embodiment of the invention, and their functionality can be taken over by the control module. The control module can have a further range of functions beyond its function of controlling the at least one second plug-in unit and, for this purpose, can have, for example, sensors for monitoring the DLC system. However, the control module can be configured to read sensors formed outside of the control module and connected to the control module via a data bus for the purpose of controlling the second plug-in units.

[0010] To control the DLC system, the control module can be configured to acquire data from sensors, such as pressure, temperature, and / or flow sensors. The sensors can be connected to the control module via a data bus, preferably a wired data bus, or directly. The control module can be configured to evaluate the data, for example, using a device configuration of a second plug-in device controlled by the control module. The device configuration can be stored in a memory, preferably in a memory that is independent of the control module. The memory is preferably arranged outside the control module and coupled via a data bus or a direct connection for data transmission.The control module can, for example, be configured to individually control or regulate a component of the second plug-in device, for example, the speed of at least one pump of a CDU or an RPU. The control module can have quick connectors both for the power supply and for connection to a data bus. The quick connectors can, in particular, be designed as blind coupling connectors, preferably with a self-centering feature, so that when the control module is inserted into one of the plug-in units and a fully inserted position of the control module in the plug-in unit is reached, secure electrical contact or data signal transmission is achieved between the control module and a power supply or a data supply, for example, a data bus.

[0011] The control module can be configured to control two plug-in devices that are located in a different housing or IT rack than the control module. For data transmission between the housings or IT racks, a data bus can be provided, to which the control module and the second plug-in devices are connected for signal transmission. In one embodiment, the IT rack or housing in which the control module is located is located in a different room or building than the IT rack or housing in which the second plug-in device is located. Alternatively or additionally, at least one sensor can be located outside the IT rack in which the control module is located. The at least one sensor can be connected to the control module for signal transmission via a data bus.The at least one sensor can be configured to monitor at least one measured value, wherein the measured value can be recorded relative to the housing or IT rack in which the control module is arranged, or relative to any other housing or IT rack of the IT infrastructure. The at least one sensor can be configured to record a measured value selected from: temperature, humidity, flow rate, flow volume, electrical voltage, water quality, for example pH value or electrical conductivity, and detection of leaks by, for example, measuring pressure loss. The sensors can be provided for differential measurement. The two sensors can, for example, be arranged on opposite end faces of the control module.This enables, for example, differential measurement in a hot aisle / cold aisle configuration, such as when several enclosures or IT racks are arranged side by side, where the opposite ends of the control module each face one of the cold aisle and the other, the hot aisle. The control module can have a data interface for communicating information with a central controller, such as a data center's central controller. This information can, for example, include reporting detected failures and / or service requirements to the central controller.

[0012] The direct liquid cooling system can comprise multiple assemblies, at least two of which are designed as different plug-in units. The different plug-in units can be functional assemblies of a coolant distribution unit (CDU). Thus, the combination of functional assemblies known from the prior art in a coolant distribution unit can be dissolved into a single assembly housing, resulting in multiple, independently formed assemblies. In particular, the control unit of a coolant distribution unit (CDU) can be replaced by the control module. From a functional perspective, the control module and the coolant distribution unit (CDU), which does not have its own control unit, form a classic CDU that also has a control unit.The CDU, which does not have a control unit, can be functionally divided into various second plug-in units, thus providing a modular design, further improving ease of maintenance. These CDU modules can each be designed as a plug-in unit with its own housing.

[0013] The modules designed as different second plug-in units can complement each other functionally. In particular, the at least two different plug-in units can have a different function with regard to direct liquid cooling, preferably a different function of a CDU or an RPU.

[0014] The at least two assemblies designed as different second plug-in devices can interact in such a way that, together with the control module, they function as a CDU. For example, a first of the second plug-in devices can be a pump unit and a second can be a coolant distribution unit that has all the functional assemblies of a coolant distribution unit, but no pump and no control unit. The pump unit can have multiple redundant pumps. It also preferably does not have its own control unit and is controlled by the control module and, for this purpose, is connected to the control unit for signal transmission via a data bus, for example. Multiple pump units can be provided, each forming a second plug-in device. The multiple pump units can be designed to be redundant, both with respect to one another and with respect to each pump unit, in that each pump unit has multiple pumps.

[0015] The second plug-in device can be connected to the control module for signal transmission via a data bus, preferably a wired data bus. The second plug-in device preferably does not have its own control system, in particular, a control unit.

[0016] The at least one second plug-in unit of the direct liquid cooling system can, for example, be selected from: a coolant distribution unit (CDU), a reservoir and pump unit (RPU), preferably with 2N redundant pumps, a heat exchanger, an expansion tank, a pressure and / or temperature sensor, a three-way valve with a bypass valve, an AC power supply, another control unit, a service valve, a filter, preferably a filter fan, an automatic vent, a pressure relief valve. The second plug-in unit is not limited to these. The second plug-in unit can, in particular, also be a device that cannot be operated independently, for example because it does not have its own control unit. The second plug-in unit can, for example, be a functional assembly of a coolant distribution unit (CDU), for example a pump unit whose sole function is to provide pumping power between a supply line and a return line.

[0017] The plug-in units can be designed to be at least partially hot-swappable, preferably with regard to a fluidic connection to a coolant circuit of the direct liquid cooling (DLC) and / or an electrical connection to a power supply and / or a connection to a data bus. For this purpose, the plug-in units and the plug-in units can have complementary dummy coupling connectors. The mutually complementary connectors can be self-centering, so that when the plug-in units are inserted into the plug-in units and a fully inserted position of the plug-in units is reached, a secure connection is achieved between the complementary dummy coupling connectors, for example for the fluidic, electrical, or signaling connection of the plug-in unit. For example, a data bus of the arrangement can be connected to the control module via a multi-pin dummy coupling connector.The dummy coupling connector can have a male and a female part, which are particularly preferably guided relative to one another via a self-centering mechanism. The dummy coupling connector can be arranged on an exposed housing side of the control module, preferably on a front side of the housing which, when the control module is inserted into one of the slots, faces a rear side of the housing or the IT rack. A dummy coupling connector complementary to the dummy coupling connector of the control module can be arranged on the rear side of the housing or the IT rack. The two dummy coupling connectors can form a plug-in connection when the control module is fully inserted into the slot.

[0018] The control module can comprise a drawer assembly with a drawer body, which can preferably be accommodated in one of the slots or installed separately in the housing or IT rack or outside the housing or IT rack. The drawer assembly can further comprise a drawer that can be inserted into the drawer body, wherein at least one control device is preferably accommodated in the drawer.

[0019] The drawer body and the drawer may have complementary multi-pin dummy coupling connectors, wherein the dummy coupling connector of the drawer body is connected to the data bus, and wherein the dummy coupling connector of the drawer is connected to the control device, wherein preferably the complementary dummy coupling connectors form a plug-in connection when the control module assumes a position fully inserted into the drawer.

[0020] The drawer assembly can have at least one sensor on opposite end faces for determining a measured variable relating to the environment of the drawer assembly, preferably a similar sensor for determining the same physical measured variable. The sensors arranged on the opposite end faces can provide a differential measurement, preferably an air pressure differential measurement or an air temperature differential measurement. Other differential measurements can also be performed.

[0021] The control module can provide a power supply for the at least one second plug-in unit of the direct liquid cooling system or for another electrical load of the direct liquid cooling system. The second plug-in unit or the other electrical load does not necessarily have to be located in the same housing or IT rack as the control module.

[0022] The arrangement may comprise a plurality of second plug-in devices, wherein the control module comprises a memory or is communicatively connected to a memory formed independently of the control module, in which a configuration for controlling the plurality of second plug-in devices is contained, wherein the plurality of second plug-in devices is connected to the control module for data transmission via a data bus and does not comprise its own controller.

[0023] A configuration, preferably one or more configuration files, for controlling a plurality of the second plug-in devices can be stored in a memory. The memory can be located outside the control module and connected to the control module for data transmission. The control module can be configured to adopt the configuration from the memory, at least for its initial configuration.

[0024] The second plug-in devices and optionally at least one further electrical assembly controlled by the control module, for example a fan, can have a unique device identifier. The configuration can have a device configuration assigned via the unique device identifier for at least some of the second plug-in devices. The control module can be configured to read the unique device identifier from the second plug-in device or the at least one further electrical assembly controlled by the control module. The control module can be configured to provide the second plug-in device or assembly with a configuration assigned to the unique device identifier or to take this configuration into account when controlling the second plug-in device or assembly.

[0025] The at least one second plug-in unit or another electrical assembly, such as a fan, of the direct liquid cooling (DLC) system can be connected to the control module for signal transmission via a data bus. The second plug-in unit or the other electrical assembly can be configured to assume a default operating state in the event of an interruption in signal transmission via the data bus and / or a failure of the control module. Further details of the invention are explained with reference to the following figures. In the figures:

[0026] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of direct liquid cooling;

[0027] Figure 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a direct liquid cooling system with additional rear door air cooling;

[0028] Figure 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a plug-in device designed as a pump unit;

[0029] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a plug-in device designed as a control module having a drawer arrangement with a drawer body and a drawer;

[0030] Figure 5 shows an embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention in front view (a) and side view (b); and

[0031] Figure 6 shows yet another embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention in a side view of the IT rack.

[0032] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of direct liquid cooling (DLC). Cooled liquid is provided by a recooler 16, which can be designed, for example, as a chiller, with or without a refrigeration machine. For this purpose, the recooler 16 has, in particular, an air-liquid heat exchanger and at least one fan, with which ambient air is transported through the air-liquid heat exchanger. The cooled liquid provided by the recooler is fed to a coolant distribution unit (CDU), in particular via the supply line of an external circuit of the CDU. The liquid provided by the recooler leaves the CDU as heated liquid via a return line of the external circuit, and the external circuit of the CDU, which simultaneously forms the liquid circuit of the recooler 16, is designated by the reference numeral 17.

[0033] The coolant distribution unit CDU has, in particular, a liquid-liquid heat exchanger and at least one pump for transporting liquid through the inner circuit 15 of the CDU. The flow of the inner circuit of the CDU is connected to a return of a coolant distribution channel, and the return of the inner circuit 15 of the CDU is connected to a flow of the coolant distribution channel 7. The coolant distribution channel 7 can have, spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction, thus in the vertical direction, several connections, on the one hand, to a flow of the coolant distribution channel 7, via which cooled coolant is provided, and on the other hand, to a return of the coolant distribution channel 7, via which heated coolant is discharged. The plug-in devices 2 can be, for example, server plug-ins of an IT infrastructure, which are connected to the distribution channel 7, for example, in the manner known from US 2007 / 0274043 A1.In the plug-in devices, the cooling liquid, which is preferably an electrically non-conductive coolant, flows over the components that require cooling, for example CPUs, GPUs, or other components that have a high power loss and, moreover, a high temperature sensitivity, so that air cooling is unsuitable due to the lower thermal conductivity of air compared to liquid.

[0034] Figure 2 shows an embodiment in which the arrangement according to the invention is accommodated in a switch cabinet housing designed in the manner of an IT cabinet with several 19-inch rack units arranged vertically one above the other. The rack units 2.1 in the rack units 2 of the IT rack 1 are partially occupied by servers and partially by built-in devices 2.1 for direct liquid cooling. For example, a top rack unit 2 of the IT rack 1 is occupied by a DC voltage supply 3, which is provided as a built-in device 2.1. A bottom rack unit 2 is occupied by a coolant distribution unit (CDU). A coolant distribution channel 7 with its supply line and return line is arranged at the rear of the IT rack 1. The supply line and return line of the coolant distribution channel 7 are connected to the coolant distribution unit CDU. A rear door heat exchanger 200 is connected to the rear of the IT rack 1.This unit has an air-to-liquid heat exchanger and several fans. With the help of the rear door heat exchanger, cooled air is drawn through the front of the IT rack 1, past the server bays 2.1 requiring cooling, and into the rear door heat exchanger 200, where the heated air passes through the air-to-liquid heat exchanger and is discharged as cooled air into the enclosure's surroundings. The supply line of the air-to-liquid heat exchanger of the rear door cooling unit 200 is fed by a recooler 16, for example, a chiller. The return line of the air-to-liquid heat exchanger of the rear door cooling unit 200 is connected to a supply line of an external circuit of the CDU. The heated fluid discharged by the air-to-liquid heat exchangers thus serves as a heat sink for the CDU.A liquid-liquid heat exchanger 12 is arranged in the CDU, via which heat is transferred from an inner circuit of the CDU, with which the CDU is connected to the coolant distribution channel 7, to the outer circuit of the CDU.

[0035] All plug-in devices 2.1, except for the DC power supply 3 itself, can be designed as DC devices, operating, for example, at an operating voltage of 48 V. The entire power distribution within the IT rack can thus be carried out at a DC voltage level that is less hazardous than the mains voltage, thereby increasing the operational reliability of the IT rack.

[0036] The modular design of the direct liquid cooling further allows, for example, the expansion tank 10 to be arranged on an upper side of the IT rack 1, that is to say in particular above the coolant distribution channel 7, in a manner that is advantageous for operation.

[0037] The topmost plug-in unit 2.1, which houses the DC power supply 3, is a control module. This is configured to control at least one second plug-in unit 2.1 of the direct liquid cooling (DLC), in this case the CDU, which is inserted into another of the plug-in units 2. This offers the advantage that if the control module fails, repair or maintenance can be carried out more easily, since it is located separately, eliminating the need to open a complex unit such as a CDU or RPU for maintenance or repair.

[0038] The CDU is connected to the control module for signal transmission via a data bus, a wired data bus not shown here. The CDU does not have its own control system, specifically a control unit, so control can be handled centrally via the control module.

[0039] The second plug-in unit 2.1 of the direct liquid cooling (DLC) system can be a coolant distribution unit (CDU), as shown in Figure 2. Alternatively or additionally, the second plug-in unit 2.1 can be a reservoir and pump unit (RPU), preferably with 2N redundant pumps, a heat exchanger, an expansion tank, a pressure and / or temperature sensor, a three-way valve with a bypass valve, an AC power supply, another control unit, a service valve, a filter, preferably a filter fan, an automatic vent, and / or a pressure relief valve.

[0040] Figure 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a plug-in device 2.1, which can be used in an arrangement according to the invention and is designed here as a CDU. The plug-in device 2.1 has a housing 13, which can be standardized, for example, with regard to its dimensions, for example at least to the extent that when the plug-in device 2.1 is inserted into a slot of an IT rack, both the first and the second dummy coupling plug connections 6.1, 6.2 for the electrical contacting of the power distribution, on the one hand, and the fluidic connection to the direct liquid cooling, in particular a coolant distribution channel, can be made automatically, i.e., in particular without tools. Three redundant pumps 14 are arranged in the housing 13, which are connected in particular in parallel to one another. A heat exchanger 12, in particular a liquid-liquid heat exchanger, is also arranged in the housing 13.The only active components within the housing 13 are therefore the pumps 14, which are provided in triplicate and connected in parallel. The pump unit shown in Figure 2 thus has a very high degree of failure resistance. Due to the use of the first and second dummy coupling connectors 6.1, 6.2, the entire unit, i.e. the plug-in unit 2.1, can be replaced quickly and without significant downtime in the event of all pumps failing or if pump performance decreases. Further redundancy of the direct liquid cooling (DLC) can be achieved by providing several of the plug-in units 2.1 shown in Figure 2, which in turn are connected in parallel with one another, so that even if all of the three pumps 14 in this case fail, one of the several plug-in units 2.1, the continued operation of the DLC is ensured and downtime can be essentially completely avoided.

[0041] The plug-in device 2.1 shown in Figure 3 does not have a control unit, but is instead connected to the control module for signal transmission via a data bus (not shown), so that the plug-in device 2.1, in particular a cooling capacity of the heat exchanger 12 and / or a pumping capacity of at least one of the pumps 14, can be centrally controlled via the control module. When providing several plug-in devices 2.1 of the DLC connected in parallel to increase redundancy, it can be provided in particular that none of the plug-in devices 2.1 of the DLC has a control unit. Instead, the control module can be designed and configured to centrally control all plug-in devices 2.1 of the DLC, in particular those without a control unit.

[0042] Figure 4 schematically shows a plan view of a plug-in device 2.1 designed as a control module. The control module has a drawer arrangement with a drawer body 21, which can be accommodated in one of the plug-ins 2, and a drawer 22 that can be inserted into the drawer body 21. In Figure 4, the drawer 22 is in a fully inserted position.

[0043] The drawer 22 comprises two sections 22.1 and 22.2, both of which have a rectangular basic shape, with the drawer 22 preferably being constructed in one piece. The second section 22.2 is smaller than the first section 22.1, so that a rear section 21.1 of the drawer body 21, facing the rear side of the housing, is not occupied or covered by the drawer 22. Arranged in this section 21.1 are the DC voltage supply 3, a DC power connection 3.1, and a first dummy coupling connector 6.1 for connecting the drawer body 21 to a busbar.

[0044] By providing the area 21.1, the invention enables the components arranged in the area 21.1 to continue to be fully functional when the drawer 22 is moved into an at least partially extended position, for example for maintenance or replacement of a component accommodated in the drawer 22, and in particular to continue to be in electronic contact and / or signal connection with further plug-in devices 2.1 or other components of the housing.

[0045] The DC voltage supply 3 can thus, regardless of the position of the drawer 22, supply DC power to the busbar 5 and thus to other plug-in devices 2.1 via the first dummy coupling connector 6.1, as well as supply power to various systems or components not connected to the busbar 5 via the DC connection 3.1. These systems and components can be, for example, the rear door cooling unit 200, a fan or heat exchanger unit arranged next to the housing or IT rack 1, but also electrical loads not arranged in a plug-in device 2.1, for example, direct liquid cooling, such as pumps of a CDU or RPU. The drawer 22 has, in particular, a control unit 9 and three CMC modules 29 for connecting sensors, redundant power supplies, or DC-DC converters 24.The CMC modules 29 are analog components for connecting various sensor types (pressure, temperature, pH, conductivity, leakage, etc.). Thus, measured values ​​from sensors located outside the control module can also be acquired, transmitted to the control unit 9, and used for control purposes.

[0046] The drawer 22 can be connected to a data bus of the arrangement via a third dummy coupling connector 6.3, which has a male and a female part that are guided relative to each other via a self-centering mechanism 31. The dummy coupling connector 6.3 of the drawer body 21 is connected to the data bus, and the dummy coupling connector 6.3 of the drawer 22 is connected to the control unit 9. The dummy coupling connector 6.3 is arranged such that the complementary dummy coupling connectors 6.3 form a plug-in connection when the drawer 22 is fully inserted into the drawer body 21. This allows a tool-free connection of the drawer 22 to the data bus, since contact is established as soon as the drawer 22 is fully inserted.

[0047] Drawer 22 also incorporates sensors. This has the advantage that sensor components can be easily replaced or serviced, and the cable route to the control unit can be kept short, thus avoiding or at least reducing cumbersome cable routing.

[0048] A temperature and humidity sensor 23 is provided on the front of the drawer 22, and an air differential pressure sensor 26 is provided on one side of the drawer 22. The air differential pressure sensor 26 has an air hose 27 that runs along the drawer 22 to the rear and is connected there via hollow centering pins 28 to measure the air pressure at the rear of the IT rack 1. Based on the air differential pressure and / or a detected temperature or humidity, the control unit 9 can control at least a second plug-in device 2.1.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, the drawer arrangement can have at least one sensor on opposite end faces for determining a measured variable relating to the environment of the drawer arrangement, preferably a similar sensor for determining the same physical measured variable. Thus, the sensors arranged on the opposite end faces can provide a differential measurement, preferably an air pressure differential measurement or an air temperature differential measurement. This is particularly advantageous when the IT rack is installed between a cold and a warm aisle, as this allows a differential measurement between the cold and warm aisles to be carried out and the DLC can be controlled to ensure the desired conditions.

[0050] As indicated by connection 30, the components housed in drawer 22 are both connected to each other and in contact with the blank coupling connector 6.3. This includes electrical contact and signal transmission. Connection 30 can therefore represent both an electrical conductor and a signal line. For example, the CMC modules 29 communicate with the control unit 9 via CAN bus, but are simultaneously electrically connected to the blank coupling connector 6.3 for power supply.

[0051] Furthermore, the drawer can have communication interfaces 25, such as USB, USB-C, or even Bluetooth, to enable external access to the control unit 9 and / or to provide information to external devices. Thus, in the event of an error or an irregularity in the IT rack, the control unit 9 can output a message, for example, to a mobile device or a central server station.

[0052] The plug-in device 2.1 in Figure 4, designed as a drawer arrangement, can be hot-swappable, particularly with regard to an electrical connection to a power supply and / or a connection to a data bus. This allows the IT rack 1 to continue operating even if the drawer 22 is removed or replaced from the IT rack 1.

[0053] In the drawer arrangement, the hot-swap capability is primarily implemented by the dummy coupling connectors 6.1, 6.3, in that contact or removal does not cause a short circuit or other electrical disturbance in the IT rack 1. Furthermore, the control module can have a memory or be communicatively connected to a memory designed independently of the control module, which contains a configuration for controlling a plurality of second plug-in devices 2.1, wherein the plurality of second plug-in devices 2.1 are connected to the control module for data transmission via a data bus and do not have their own controller. Due to the configuration stored in the memory, the plurality of second plug-in devices 2.1 can continue to operate even if the control device 9 is defective or out of service. The memory can, for example, be located in area 21.2 so that it can be used independently of the positioning of the drawer 22. Alternatively or additionally, an external storage device can also be contacted via the communication interface 25.

[0054] Likewise, the control module can be configured to adopt the configuration from the memory, at least for its initial configuration, so that the control unit 9 can be configured based on the initial configuration. This allows the control unit to be operational almost immediately after replacing the control unit 9.

[0055] Alternatively or additionally, the second plug-in devices 2.1 may have a unique device identifier, wherein the configuration for at least some of the second plug-in devices 2.1 has a device configuration assigned via the unique device identifier.

[0056] Finally, it can also be provided that at least a second plug-in device 2.1 or another electrical assembly, such as a fan, of the direct liquid cooling (DLC) is connected to the control unit 9 via a data bus for signal transmission, wherein the second plug-in device 2.1 or the other electrical assembly is configured to assume a default operating state in the event of an interruption in signal transmission via the data bus and / or a failure of the control module. For example, it can be provided that a microchip is arranged in a plug-in device 2.1 of the DLC, which microchip contains a standard configuration for components contained in the plug-in device 2.1, so that uninterrupted operation of the IT rack 1 is possible.

[0057] Figure 5 shows, in front view (a) and side view (b), an exemplary embodiment of an arrangement for supplying a direct liquid cooling system with electrical energy. The arrangement comprises an IT rack 1 having a plurality of plug-in units 2 for plug-in devices 2.1 of a direct liquid cooling system, arranged one above the other in the vertical direction z. In addition to the plug-in units 2.1 for direct liquid cooling, further plug-in units 2.1 are also provided, which in this case are designed as servers. The rectifier PSU is also designed as a plug-in unit 2.1. Extending along the rear R of the IT rack 1 as the power distribution 5 is a busbar of a DC voltage supply 3 for the plug-in units 2 or the plug-in devices 2.1 accommodated therein. The busbar is fed by the rectifier PSU, in particular supplied with a DC voltage. The plug-in units 2.1 of the direct liquid cooling system DLC, insofar as they require a supply of electrical energy, are each accommodated in one of the plug-in units 2 and electrically contacted with the busbar. The expansion tank 10, which does not require an electrical power supply, is arranged in a physically advantageous position on the top side, i.e., outside the IT rack 1. A control module with a control device 9, which can be designed as a drawer arrangement according to Figure 4, is designed as a separate plug-in unit 2.1, independent of other DLC components, and is directly contacted with the DC voltage supply 3, in particular with the busbar of the power distribution system 5. The plug-in units 2.1 have first dummy coupling connectors 6.1 for the tool-free connection of the plug-in units 2.1 to the busbar.Complementary dummy coupling connectors can be arranged on the rear side of the housings of the plug-in units 2.1 facing the busbar. Similarly, second dummy coupling connectors, which are fluid-conducting, can be arranged on the rear side for connection to a supply and return line of the coolant distribution channel 7.

[0058] While the embodiment shown in Figure 5 includes both server installations and thus components requiring cooling, as well as various assemblies of a direct liquid cooling system (DLC) for cooling the servers, in the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the IT rack 1 is equipped exclusively with components of a direct liquid cooling system (DLC). In particular, several of the plug-in units 2.1 are designed as redundant pump units (RPU). The two plug-in units 2.1 form the heat exchanger 12 and the expansion tank 10. The DC voltage supply 3 is also designed as a plug-in unit, as is the control module with the control unit 9. The DC voltage supply 3 is the only component of the arrangement shown in Figure 8 that is supplied with mains voltage.Furthermore, the arrangement ensures that all components and devices for power distribution, in particular the busbar 5, are at a low DC voltage, for example 48 V.

[0059] In Figures 4 and 5, the option of controlling multiple plug-in units 2.1 with one control unit 9 can be utilized. In particular, it is provided that the DLG plug-in units 2.1 do not have separate control units. This allows the total number of control units to be reduced and, especially when the control module is designed as a drawer arrangement, simplifies maintenance or replacement of the control unit.

[0060] In a further embodiment, not shown, it can be provided that an arrangement has more than one IT rack 1. For example, at least one arrangement according to Figure 4 as well as at least one arrangement according to Figure 5 can be provided. In particular, these at least two IT racks 1 can form a series arrangement. In this case, according to the inventive concept, it is then provided that a control module with a control unit 9 is provided in only one IT rack 1 of the series arrangement. The control module of the arrangement 1 according to Figure 5, designed as a plug-in device 2.1, then controls not only the CDU 13, but also the RPU modules 8, the heat exchanger 12 and the expansion tank 10 in the arrangement according to Figure 6. Accordingly, no control module with a control unit 9 is provided in the arrangement according to Figure 6.The invention thus enables multiple IT racks 1 and the components of a direct liquid cooling system (DLC) housed therein to be controlled with a central control module. This reduces the number of control units 9 and simplifies maintenance.

[0061] The features given in the above description may be relevant in any combination for the realization of embodiments of the invention, the scope of protection being determined solely by the claims. List of reference symbols:

[0062] IT rack

[0063] Insert

[0064] Plug-in device

[0065] DC power supply

[0066] DC connection

[0067] Busbar first dummy coupling connector second dummy coupling connector third dummy coupling connector coolant distribution channel

[0068] Linear guide

[0069] control unit

[0070] Expansion tank additional plug-in unit heat exchanger housing

[0071] pump

[0072] inner circle

[0073] Recooler

[0074] outer circle

[0075] power supply

[0076] fan

[0077] Drawer body

[0078] Rear area of ​​the drawer body

[0079] Drawer

[0080] First area of ​​the drawer

[0081] Second area of ​​the drawer

[0082] Temperature and humidity sensor Power supplies, DCDC converter Communication interfaces Air differential pressure sensor 27 Air hose

[0083] 28 hollow centering pins

[0084] 29 CMC modules

[0085] 30 Electrical conductor, signal cable

[0086] 31 Self-centering

[0087] 200 rear door cooling unit

[0088] BBU interruption of free power supply

[0089] CDU coolant distribution unit

[0090] DLC direct liquid cooling

[0091] PSU rectifier

[0092] RPU pump unit

[0093] R back x plug-in direction z height direction

Claims

Claims: 1 . Arrangement for the direct liquid cooling (DLC) of an IT infrastructure, wherein the arrangement has at least one housing or an IT rack (1) with a plurality of plug-in units (2) for plug-in devices (2.1) of a direct liquid cooling (DLC) and / or an IT infrastructure, said plug-in units being arranged one above the other in the height direction (z) of the housing or the IT rack (1), characterized in that one of the plug-in units (2.1) is a control module which is inserted into one of the plug-in units (2) and is designed to control at least a second plug-in device (2.1) of the direct liquid cooling (DLC) which is inserted into a further one of the plug-in units (2).

2. Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the second plug-in device (2.1) is connected to the control module for signal transmission via a data bus, preferably a wired data bus, wherein the second plug-in device (2.1) preferably does not have its own control, in particular no control device.

3. Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one second plug-in device (2.1) of the direct liquid cooling (DLC) is selected from: a coolant distribution unit (CDU), a reservoir and pump unit (RPU), preferably with 2N redundant pumps, a heat exchanger, an expansion tank, a pressure and / or temperature sensor, a three-way valve with bypass valve, an AC power supply, a further control unit, a service valve, a filter, preferably a filter fan, an automatic vent, a pressure relief valve.

4. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, in which the plug-in devices (2.1) are designed to be hot-swappable, preferably with regard to a fluidic connection to a coolant circuit of the direct liquid cooling (DLC) and / or an electrical connection to a power supply and / or a connection to a data bus.

5. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, in which a data bus of the arrangement can be connected to the control module via a multi-pole blind coupling connector (6.1), wherein the blind coupling connector (6.1) is preferably has a male and a female part, which are particularly preferably guided relative to each other via a self-centering mechanism.

6. Arrangement according to claim 5, in which the dummy coupling plug connector (6.1) is arranged on an exposed housing side of the control module, preferably on an end face of the housing which, when the control module is inserted into one of the inserts (2), faces a rear side of the housing or the IT rack (1), wherein a dummy coupling plug connector (6.1) complementary to the dummy coupling plug connector (6.1) of the control module is preferably arranged on the rear side of the housing or the IT rack (1), wherein the two dummy coupling plug connectors (6.1) form a plug connection when the control module assumes a position fully inserted into the insert (2).

7. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, in which the control module has a drawer arrangement with a drawer body (21) which is received in one of the inserts (2), and a drawer (22) which can be inserted into the drawer body (21), wherein at least one control device (9) is received in the drawer (22).

8. Arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the drawer body (21) and the drawer (22) have complementary multi-pole blind coupling plug connectors (6.3), wherein the blind coupling plug connector (6.3) of the drawer body (21) is connected to the data bus, and wherein the blind coupling plug connector (6.3) of the drawer (22) is connected to the control unit (9), wherein preferably the complementary blind coupling plug connectors (6.3) assume a plug connection when the control module assumes a position fully inserted into the drawer (2).

9. Arrangement according to claim 7 or 8, in which the drawer arrangement, preferably on opposite end faces, has at least one sensor (23, 26) for determining a measured variable relating to the environment of the drawer arrangement, preferably a similar sensor (23, 26) for determining the same physical measured variable.

10. Arrangement according to claim 9, wherein a differential measurement is provided by the sensors (23, 26) arranged preferably on the opposite end faces, preferably an air pressure difference measurement or an air temperature difference measurement. 11 . Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, in which the control module has a power supply (3.1) for the at least one second plug-in device (2.1) of the direct liquid cooling (DLC) or for a further electrical consumer of the direct liquid cooling (DLC).

12. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, which has a plurality of second plug-in devices (2.1), wherein the control module has a memory or is communicatively connected to a memory designed independently of the control module, in which a configuration for controlling the plurality of second plug-in devices (2.1) is contained, wherein the plurality of second plug-in devices (2.1) is connected to the control module for data transmission via a data bus and does not have its own controller.

13. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, in which a configuration for controlling a plurality of the second plug-in devices (2.1) is stored in a memory which is arranged outside of the control module and is connected to the control module for data transmission.

14. Arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the control module is configured to adopt the configuration from the memory at least for its initial configuration.

15. Arrangement according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the second plug-in devices (2.1) have a unique device identifier, wherein the configuration has a device configuration assigned via the unique device identifier for at least some of the second plug-in devices.

16. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one second plug-in device (2.1) or a further electrical assembly, such as a fan, of the direct liquid cooling (DLC) is connected via a data bus to the control module for the Signal transmission is connected, wherein the second plug-in device (2.1) or the further electrical assembly is designed to assume a default operating state in the event of an interruption in signal transmission via the data bus and / or in the event of a failure of the control module.

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