Distributor and buffer tank comprising same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a buffer tank provided in an air conditioning system of a data center and a distributor provided in the buffer tank. The present invention may provide a distributor capable of preventing destruction of a water temperature separation layer and a buffer tank comprising same.

Description

Distributor and buffer tank equipped therewith

[0001] The present invention relates to a buffer tank provided in an air conditioning system of a data center and a distributor provided in the buffer tank.

[0002] In the air conditioning system of a data center, it is important for the buffer tank, which continuously supplies chilled water to the heat exchanger during the time until the emergency power is restarted after a power outage or other abnormal operating conditions, and during the time until the water in the chiller becomes chilled after the emergency power is restarted, to suppress the temperature rise of the tank outlet pipe for a certain period of time required under abnormal operating conditions.

[0003] Referring to Fig. 1, a data center is essential to have an air conditioning system to keep the servers below an appropriate temperature. Here, the air conditioning system cools the hot air in the server room (100) using chilled water. At this time, the water heated through heat exchange with the air is cooled through a chiller (400) provided in the air conditioning system, and then moves to the heat exchanger (200) of the server room (100) and circulates. The air conditioning system is equipped with a buffer tank (300) separately from the chiller (400). The buffer tank (300) is installed for the purpose of supplying chilled water to the heat exchanger (200) of the server room (100) in the event that the chiller (400) stops due to an unexpected power outage.

[0004] Figure 1 (a) illustrates a normal operation. During normal operation, cold water supplied from the cooler (400) flows in and is stored in the internal space of the buffer tank (300), and at the same time, the stored cold water constantly serves as an intermediary that is supplied again to the heat exchanger (200). Alternatively, when the cooler (400) is in operation, cold water is periodically supplied to and discharged from the buffer tank (300), so that the water in the internal space of the buffer tank (300) is maintained at the same temperature as the cold water.

[0005] Figure 1 (b) illustrates an abnormal operation. During abnormal operation, the cooler (400) stops and is restarted by the emergency power generator (500) after a certain period of time. However, immediately after restarting, the cooler (400) cannot supply cold water as in normal operation. That is, high temperature water may be supplied to the heat exchanger (200) for a short period of time after restarting. At this time, hot water must be supplied to the buffer tank (300). Therefore, time is required for the buffer tank (300) to discharge cold water without passing through the cooler (400). If this time is defined as the stratification requirement time, the stratification requirement time is the sum of the time from the power outage until the emergency power is restarted and the time from the restart until the water in the cooler (400) becomes cold water. Sufficient stratification requirement time is an essential function required for the buffer tank (300).

[0006] As high temperature water, i.e. hot water, flows in through the inlet pipe of the buffer tank (300), and cold water, which has a relatively low temperature, flows out through the outlet pipe of the buffer tank (300), the hot water and cold water form upper and lower temperature separation layers inside the buffer tank (300) and are stratified. As time passes, the inflow of hot water causes the cold water to decrease. Therefore, due to the inflow of hot water, a water flow, i.e. a streamline, is formed inside the buffer tank (300). If hot water with a high flow rate mixes with cold water that is still at rest, there is a high possibility that the temperature separation layer will be destroyed, causing the temperature of the cold water to rise, or that the hot water will leak out even though there is still sufficient cold water remaining inside the buffer tank (300). In other words, the buffer tank (300) cannot satisfy the stratification requirement time.

[0007] A buffer tank capable of sufficiently providing such stratification requirements and a distributor equipped therewith are required.

[0008] (Patent Document 1) KR 10-2424334 B1 (2022.07.19)

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a distributor capable of preventing destruction of a water temperature separation layer and a buffer tank having the distributor can be provided.

[0010] The objectives of the present invention are not limited to the above-described scope. Those skilled in the art will have no difficulty understanding the additional objectives of the present invention from the overall content of this specification.

[0011] A distributor for a buffer tank according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a curved flow path portion having a curved surface formed so that an introduced fluid moves toward a center of movement and a through hole formed corresponding to the center of movement so that the fluid moved toward the center of movement changes its direction of movement, a damping portion arranged corresponding to the center of movement and the through hole so that the fluid passing through the through hole changes its direction of movement, and a chamber portion forming a space in which the fluid whose direction of movement is changed in the damping portion flows inside.

[0012] In addition, the curved flow path may include an inlet through which the fluid is introduced and connected to the outside, a first surface forming the curved surface, and a second surface spaced apart from the first surface at least partially corresponding to the first surface, a first flow path through which the fluid introduced through the inlet between the first surface and the second surface moves toward the center of movement, and a second flow path having one end open so that the fluid can move toward the center of movement in one or more directions by connecting the first surface and the second surface. In addition, the first flow path may include a third surface of a plane connected to the first surface, and a fourth surface connected to the second surface and corresponding at least partially to the third surface, in which the through hole is formed.

[0013] In addition, the damping portion includes a damping surface, which is a flat surface formed in a shape that is at least partially cut into a sphere or ellipsoid shape, and a damping vertex formed in a direction opposite to the damping surface, and the damping vertex may be arranged closer to the center of movement and the through hole than other parts of the damping portion.

[0014] Additionally, it may include a third flow path formed between a fifth surface corresponding at least in part to the second surface and a damping surface of the damping portion included in a part of the sphere or ellipsoid shape.

[0015] Additionally, the chamber portion may include a chamber wall extending from the fifth surface and a rectifying wall parallel to the damping surface.

[0016] Additionally, it may include a protruding guide extending from the chamber wall to guide the fluid passing through the rectifying wall.

[0017] Additionally, the above-mentioned rectifying wall may be a plate perforated at regular intervals.

[0018] Additionally, the chamber portion may include an empty space so that the fluid rotates in one direction inside and forms a vortex.

[0019] Additionally, the second euro may be an annular shape connecting the first side and the second side and open toward the first euro.

[0020] A buffer tank according to one embodiment of the present invention is a buffer tank installed in an air conditioning system of a data center, and includes a cylindrical case and a distributor for the buffer tank connected to an inlet pipe connecting the inside and the outside of the case, wherein the distributor for the buffer tank includes a curved flow path portion having a curved surface formed so that an introduced fluid moves toward a center of movement and a through hole formed corresponding to the center of movement so that the fluid moved toward the center of movement changes its direction of movement, a damping portion arranged corresponding to the center of movement and the through hole so that the fluid passing through the through hole changes its direction of movement, and a chamber portion forming a space in which the fluid whose direction of movement is changed in the damping portion flows inside.

[0021] Additionally, the fluid discharged from the distributor may be arranged to face the inner wall of the case.

[0022] Additionally, at least one fluid shielding plate may be provided inside the case.

[0023] Additionally, a distributor for a buffer tank connected to an outlet pipe connecting the inside and outside of the case and through which the fluid of the buffer tank is discharged, and a distributor for another buffer tank connected to the inlet pipe and in which the fluid flow inside the distributor is opposite may be included.

[0024] The present invention provides an effect of sufficiently satisfying the stratification requirement time by lowering the flow rate of hot water when the fluid entering from the inlet pipe is hot water in order to suppress the temperature rise of the outlet pipe of the buffer tank under abnormal operating conditions such as a power outage, thereby preventing the destruction of the water temperature separation layer inside the tank.

[0025] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a data center air conditioning system, where (a) shows a normal operation state and (b) shows an abnormal operation state.

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a vertical buffer tank equipped with a conventional fluid shielding plate.

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a horizontal buffer tank equipped with a conventional fluid shielding plate.

[0028] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a distributor for a buffer tank according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 5 is a drawing showing the flow rate inside the distributor.

[0030] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the internal pressure of the distributor.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a buffer tank having a distributor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram (a) of a buffer tank without a conventional fluid barrier plate and (b) a drawing showing the fluid flow and pressure distribution inside the tank over time.

[0033] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram (a) of a buffer tank equipped with a conventional fluid barrier plate and (b) a drawing showing the fluid flow and pressure distribution inside the tank over time.

[0034] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram (a) of a buffer tank according to one embodiment of the present invention and a drawing (b) showing the fluid flow and pressure distribution inside the tank over time.

[0035] Fig. 11 is a graph comparing the temperature change over time in the outlet pipe of the tank illustrated in (a) of Figs. 8 to 10.

[0036] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. However, the embodiments of the present invention may be modified in various other forms, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0037] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more completely explain the present invention to a person having average knowledge in the relevant technical field.

[0038] The shape and size of elements in the drawing may be exaggerated for clearer explanation.

[0039] In describing the embodiments of the present invention, if a detailed description of a known technology related to the present invention is judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the terms described below are terms defined in consideration of their functions in the present invention, and these may vary depending on the intention or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions should be made based on the contents throughout this specification. The terminology used in the detailed description is only for the purpose of describing the embodiments of the present invention and should in no way be limiting. Unless clearly defined otherwise, expressions in the singular form include plural meanings.

[0040] In this description, expressions such as "including" or "having" are intended to indicate certain features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, portions or combinations thereof, and should not be construed to exclude the presence or possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, portions or combinations thereof other than those described.

[0041] Unless otherwise specified in the specification of the present invention, the % unit means weight %.

[0042] In this specification, terms such as 'top', 'upper part', 'top surface', 'bottom', 'lower part', 'bottom', 'side', etc. are based on the drawings, and in reality, they may vary depending on the direction in which the elements or components are arranged.

[0043] Additionally, throughout the specification, when we say that a part is 'connected' to another part, this includes not only cases where it is 'directly connected', but also cases where it is 'indirectly connected' with other elements in between.

[0044] Below, the present invention will be described in detail through each embodiment or example of the present invention. It should be noted that each embodiment or example described in this specification is not limited to a single embodiment or example, but may be combined with other embodiments or examples. Therefore, the citation of a claim in the patent claims is only an example of an embodiment, and the technical concept of the present invention should not be interpreted solely as a combination with the cited claim, and combinations with various claims also fall within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0045] Let's explain the existing buffer tank. A buffer tank that supplies chilled water to an air conditioning system for a certain period of time may be equipped with a flow shield or a distributor within the tank.

[0046] Figure 2 illustrates a buffer tank having a fluid shielding plate inside for a stratification function.

[0047] This is a schematic diagram of a commercial buffer tank (301) having a fluid blocking plate (330) vertically installed in the center of a vertically positioned buffer tank (301) and having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, or an inlet pipe (310) and an outlet pipe (320) on the upper left and right sides.

[0048] The fluid entering the inlet pipe (310) descends along the flow shield plate (330), then rises and then exits through the outlet pipe (320). At this time, if the location of the inlet pipe (310) is as shown in the figure, the upper part of the inlet pipe (310) and the lower part of the tank are unrelated to the flow of the fluid, so there are stagnant flow regions (A1, A2, A3) where the velocity is very slow or eddies occur. At this time, the hot water quickly descends due to gravity, and the flow velocity slows down as it rises in the direction opposite to gravity. Therefore, gravity increases the stagnant flow region of the descending region (A2) and decreases the stagnant flow region (A1, A3) of the rising region. In particular, when the flow velocity is fast, only heat conduction with the hot water occurs in the cold water in the stagnant flow regions (A1, A2, A3), so the actual volume within the tank that is responsible for the cooling function of the buffer tank (300) is likely to decrease.

[0049] Figure 3 illustrates a conventional buffer tank in which flow shields are installed horizontally and are arranged vertically in an alternating manner to divide the tank volume into three equal parts.

[0050] This is a schematic diagram of a buffer tank (302) having a water inlet pipe (310) and an outlet pipe (320) on the lower left and right sides.

[0051] When the incoming fluid is hot water, the hot water slowly rises along the first flow blocking plate (330), then quickly descends in the area between the first and second flow blocking plates (330), slowly rises in the area between the second and third flow blocking plates (330), and then quickly descends along the third flow blocking plate (330) and exits through the outlet pipe (320). That is, a fluid flow that repeats up and down is formed. In this case as well, stagnant flow regions (A4, A5, A6, A7) exist due to the positions of the inlet pipe (310) and the outlet pipe (320) and gravity. In particular, although the volume within the tank between the third flow blocking plate (330) and the outlet pipe (320) is the largest, the stagnant flow region (A7) is likely to be the largest because the flow velocity is high due to gravity.

[0052] Therefore, a problem also arises in that it may become practically difficult to provide a sufficient amount of fluid, which is one of the important roles of the buffer tank.

[0053] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail through examples. However, it should be noted that the examples described below are intended only to illustrate and concretize the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This is because the scope of the invention is determined by the matters set forth in the patent claims and matters reasonably inferred therefrom.

[0054] In the drawings below, the direction in which the fluid flows in is defined as the first direction (Z direction), the direction intersecting the first direction and in which the fluid is discharged from the distributor is defined as the second direction (X direction), and the direction intersecting the first and second directions is defined as the third direction (Y direction).

[0055] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a distributor provided in a buffer tank according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] For example, a distributor (350) for a buffer tank provided in a buffer tank (303, see FIG. 8) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be symmetrical based on the cross-section shown in FIG. 4.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a distributor (350) for a buffer tank converts the flow characteristics of the discharged fluid exiting the distributor (350) from vortex or turbulent flow in the input pipe to laminar flow so as to suppress the occurrence of mixed flow within the tank and prevent the destruction of the water temperature separation layer during the stratification requirement time. For example, a technical means is required to lower the Reynolds number of laminar flow to 2000 or less when the turbulent Reynolds number is greater than 4000. In addition, since the pump is stopped during a power outage, the pressure loss of the fluid passing through the distributor (350) must be small, so that the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet sides of the distributor (350) and the maximum pressure difference within the distributor (350) must be small. To this end, a structure capable of utilizing the Coanda phenomenon, in which the fluid naturally flows along the curvature of the curved surface when flowing over the curved surface, is provided, thereby providing an effect that enables the above-described conversion even when the pressure difference is small.

[0058] A distributor (350) for a buffer tank according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a curved flow path portion (351), a damping portion (352), and a chamber portion (353).

[0059] The curved flow path (351) includes a curved surface (3511) formed so that the introduced fluid moves toward the center of movement (3515), and includes a through hole (3516) formed corresponding to the center of movement (3515) so that the fluid moved toward the center of movement (3515) changes its direction of movement. The fluid introduced through the inlet (E) moves along the curved surface (3511) in one or more directions. It moves toward a point along the curved surface (3511) in multiple directions, and since it moves along the curved surface (3511), the flow velocity is primarily reduced. In addition, the direction of movement of the fluid is changed from a straight flow that primarily moves through the inlet (E) to a rotational flow that flows along the curved surface (3511), so that a uniform parallel plate flow can be created while reducing frictional pressure loss in the fluid discharged from the distributor (350) after passing through the chamber portion (353) to be described below. For example, the fluid can be introduced in the first direction (Z direction) through the inlet (E). And, in the curved surface (3511), the fluid flow can be formed along the curved surface (3511) that intersects the first direction (Z direction).

[0060] For example, the curved flow path (351) may include an inlet (E) through which a fluid is introduced and connected to the outside, a first surface (3511) connected to the inlet (E) and forming a curved surface, and a second surface (3512) at least partially spaced apart from the first surface (3511), a first flow path (351a) through which a fluid introduced through the inlet (E) moves toward a center of movement (3515) between the first surface (3511) and the second surface (3512), and a second flow path (351b) having one end open so that the fluid can move toward the center of movement (3515) in one or more directions by connecting the first surface (3511) and the second surface (3512). When the fluid is introduced into the distributor (350) through the inlet (E), it is generally formed in a straight line along the inlet pipe (310) connected to the inlet (E). The first flow path (351a) connected to the inlet (E) is formed between a first surface (3511) that is a curved surface and a second surface (3512) that at least partially corresponds to the first surface (3511), and the fluid may flow along the curved surface in multiple directions on the first flow path (351a) and may be formed toward the center of movement (3515). The center of movement (3515) may be located between the first surface (3511) and the through hole (3516).

[0061] For example, the first flow path (351a) may be a flow path that flows along at least a portion of the outer surface of a sphere or an ellipsoid. For example, the first flow path (351a) may be formed in a shape similar to a curved portion of the outer surface of a hemisphere or a semi-ellipsoid. In other words, the first flow path (351a) may be a radial flow path.

[0062] For example, the first euro (351a) may be formed to include a third surface (3513) of a plane connected to the first surface (3511), and a fourth surface (3514) connected to the second surface (3512) and corresponding at least in part to the third surface (3513) and in which a through hole (3516) is formed.

[0063] The first flow path (351a) may be positioned on a third surface (3513) that is a plane, including a predetermined area including the projected center of movement (3515) projected in the second direction (X direction), which is the flow direction of the fluid passing through the through hole (3516). The third surface (3513) may have a shape of a circular plate or an oval plate. In addition, the fourth surface (3514) may be connected to the second surface (3512), correspond at least partially to the third surface (3513), and may have a donut shape with an open interior. In this case, a through hole (3516) is formed on the fourth surface (3514), so that the fluid from the first flow path (351a) may move through the through hole (3516) to the damping unit (352) and the chamber unit (353) to be described below. The direction of the fluid flow can be a radial direction, which is the flow in the first flow path (351a), and a second direction (X direction), which is the intersecting direction, in which the fluid flow passes through the through hole (3516).

[0064] For example, the second euro (351b) may have an annular shape that connects the first surface (3511) and the second surface (3512) and is open toward the first euro (351a).

[0065] For example, the second flow path (351b) may be an annular flow path or annular flow path positioned on a plane defined in the first direction (Z direction) and the third direction (Y direction). Then, the fluid may move from the second flow path (351b) to the first flow path (351a) and toward the center of movement (3515).

[0066] The second flow path (351b) is a flow path for moving the introduced fluid in multiple directions, and may be formed in an annular shape with one end open toward the first flow path (351a). The fluid introduced through the inlet (E) moves to the first flow path (351a) through the annularly formed second flow path (351b), and thus may move in multiple directions, such as radially, rather than in one flow direction in the first flow path (351a). For example, the second flow path (351b) is a flow path connecting the first surface (3511) and the second surface (3512), and the fluid flow moves along the annular surface (3517) but flows to the first flow path (351a) through the open portion (3518), and thus, in the first flow path (351a), a fluid flow toward the center of movement (3515) in multiple directions can be formed.

[0067] The second flow path (351b) generates a circular flow in the circumferential direction, and the first flow path (351a) forms a flow along a curved surface. Therefore, as the introduced fluid passes through the first flow path (351a) and the second flow path (351b), the flow direction of the fluid, which was flowing straight, can be changed along the curved surface without significant pressure loss due to the Coanda effect.

[0068] The damping member (352) may be arranged in correspondence with the movement center (3515) and the through hole (3516) so that the fluid passing through the through hole (3516) changes its movement direction. For example, the movement center (3515), the through hole (3516), and the damping member (352) may be arranged in a row in the second direction (X direction).

[0069] The damping portion (352) forms a flow of fluid in a radial direction by causing the fluid passing through the through hole (3516) to collide with the damping portion (352) and flow along the damping surface (3521), which is the outer surface of the damping portion (352). Accordingly, the center of movement (3515), the through hole (3516), and the damping portion (352) can be arranged in the second direction (X direction) so that the fluid passing through the through hole (3516) directly collides with the damping portion (352) and the fluid changes its flow again.

[0070] For example, the flow direction of the fluid passing through the through hole (3516) may be a second direction (X direction) that intersects with the flow of the fluid in the first flow path (351a). Additionally, it may intersect with all of the flow directions of the plurality of fluids in the first flow path (351a).

[0071] For example, the damping portion (352) is formed in a shape that is a spherical or ellipsoidal shape cut into a plane, and includes a damping surface (3522) that is a plane, and a damping vertex (3524) formed in the opposite direction to the damping surface (3522), and the damping vertex (3524) can be arranged closer to the center of movement (3515) and the through hole (3516) than other parts of the damping portion (352).

[0072] In order to form a fluid flow in a radial direction, a damping portion (352) is formed in a shape in which a sphere or an ellipsoid is cut into at least a portion of a plane, and a damping vertex (3524) is arranged close to a center of movement (3515) and a through hole (3516), so that the fluid can flow along a damping surface (3521) formed on the outside. The damping surface (3522), which is a plane, can be formed close to a chamber portion (353) described below, so as to become a part of a space formed by the chamber portion (353).

[0073] For example, a third flow path (352a) may be formed between a fifth surface (3523) corresponding at least in part to the second surface (3512) and a curved damping surface (3521) of a damping portion (352) that is an outer surface included in a part of a sphere or ellipsoid.

[0074] The fifth surface (3523) may be a surface formed in the opposite direction of the second surface (3512) on the wall (3519) forming the second surface (3512). It may also be a surface parallel to the second surface (3512), but is not limited thereto. It is sufficient for the third flow path (352a) to be formed in accordance with the degree of curvature of the damping curve (3521) of the damping portion (352).

[0075] The third flow path (352a) flowing between the damping surface (3521) and the fifth surface (3523) induces the flow of fluid in a radial direction to form a rotating radial flow in the space (S) of the chamber portion (353) to be described below.

[0076] The chamber section (353) forms a space (S) in which a fluid whose direction of movement has been changed in the damping section (352) flows inside.

[0077] The chamber portion (353) may include a chamber wall (3531) extending from the fifth surface (3523) of the third flow path (352a) and a space (S) surrounded by the damping surface (3522) of the damping portion (352). The chamber portion (353) may include a space (S) such that the fluid rotates in one direction therein and forms a vortex. In addition, the fluid passing through the third flow path (352a) in the space (S) may rapidly decrease in speed as it flows.

[0078] For example, the chamber portion (353) may include a rectifying wall (3532) parallel to the damping surface (3522).

[0079] The rectifying wall (3532) can serve to make the speed and direction of the radial flow of the fluid uniform. It is positioned parallel to the damping surface (3522) and includes a plurality of holes (H) of a constant size, so that the fluid passing through the plurality of holes (H) can be formed to have a constant direction and constant speed in the second direction (X direction).

[0080] For example, the plurality of holes (H) of the rectifier wall (3532) may be arranged at regular intervals, and may be a plate perforated at regular intervals. It may be easy to manufacture the rectifier wall (3532) by forming it through perforation so that it has a plurality of holes (H) of regular intervals and a regular size. However, the rectifier wall (3532) is not limited thereto, and it is sufficient if it can perform the function of rectification.

[0081] For example, it may include a protruding guide (354) extending from the chamber wall (3531) to guide the fluid passing through the rectifying wall (3532).

[0082] The protruding guide (354) may be formed to extend in the discharge direction along the chamber wall (3531) to facilitate the discharge of fluid. If there is no protruding guide (354), a flow may be formed in which the fluid hits the inner wall of the buffer tank (300) and re-enters the interior of the distributor (350), and thus, the protruding guide (354) may serve to prevent this.

[0083] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it may further include a fastening part (355) that is connected to the damping part (352), has a fastening means (3551) that passes through the through hole (3516), and has a fastening groove (not shown) formed on a third surface (3513) of a plane connected to the first surface (3511).

[0084] In order to secure the damping member (352), a fastening means (3551) having screw threads on one or both sides and a fastening part (355) having a fastening groove may be included. When a fastening groove is formed, a screw groove (not shown) that is shaped and coupled with the fastening means (3551) may be provided.

[0085] In addition, the fastening portion (355) may be more stably fixed by being provided with a fastening means (3553) between the damping surface (3522) and the rectifying wall (3532) and a fastening bolt (3554) positioned on the outside of the rectifying wall. Alternatively, the fastening groove may be present on the rectifying wall (3532).

[0086] In addition, it may be formed as a through-hole rather than a fastening groove. In the case of a fastening hole, it may further include a fastening bolt (3552) that is coupled with a fastening means (3551). The fastening portion (355) is not limited to this, and may be a general joint such as welding, or the distributor (350) itself may be formed as a single piece by a method such as casting.

[0087] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the flow and velocity distribution of fluid within a distributor according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 shows the fluid flow before passing through a rectifying wall. Figure 6 illustrates the internal pressure distribution of a distributor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] The type of fluid is water, and as an example, it is set as the case where 24℃ hot water is introduced. Assuming that the velocity of the fluid passing through the pipe connected to the inlet (E) is 3.61 m / s, the Reynolds number in this case is 256000, and the flow rate is 612 L / min, the streamline distribution, pressure distribution, and whether or not there is re-entrainment after discharge can be known inside the distributor (350) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 5, it can be seen that the flow of the fluid inside the distributor (350) is the same as the above description. At this time, the shading indicating the size of the velocity is expressed darker as the velocity is faster and lighter as the velocity is slower, and according to one embodiment of the present invention, it changes in the direction in which the velocity becomes slower. It can be seen that the decrease in speed occurs in the first flow path (351a), the second flow path (351b), the through hole (3516), and the third flow path (352a). At this time, the flow velocity passing through the flow wall (3532) is 0.21 m / s, and the Reynolds number is 1506, which is lower than the laminar flow reference value of 2000, indicating that laminar flow is formed. In addition, the average velocity of the fluid exiting the flow wall (3532) is 0.091 m / s, and the Reynolds number is 5.1, which is about 2.5% of the flow velocity of the introduced fluid, indicating a significant decrease. In addition, there is no discharge flow that is re-incorporated into the rectifier wall (3532) and enters the distributor (350), and the maximum pressure difference inside the distributor (350) is 13.19 kPa, which is much smaller than the atmospheric pressure of 101.3 kPa, indicating that the pressure loss through the distributor (350) is not large.

[0089] Hereinafter, a buffer tank equipped with a distributor for the above buffer tank will be described. In this case, the distributor will be referred to as the description of the distributor for the buffer tank described above, unless otherwise specified.

[0090] Figure 7 schematically illustrates a buffer tank according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] A buffer tank (303) installed in an air conditioning system of a data center according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a case (340) and a distributor (350).

[0092] The case (340) may include a cylindrical shape. However, it is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and the upper and lower parts may further include a dome shape.

[0093] Fluid can be introduced into the interior of the case (340) through the inlet pipe (310).

[0094] The distributor (350) for the buffer tank may be connected to the inlet port (E1) described above and an inlet pipe (310) that connects the inside and outside of the case (340). Accordingly, the fluid drawn in through the inlet pipe (310) can be directly drawn into the inside of the distributor (350).

[0095] For example, the fluid discharged from the distributor (350) may be arranged to face the inner wall (341) of the case (340). In order to maximize the travel path of the fluid passing through the buffer tank (303), the discharge direction of the distributor (350) may be formed to face the inner wall (341), and the discharged fluid that hits the inner wall (341) of the case (340) may be formed to surround the distributor (350) and come out.

[0096] For example, at least one fluid shielding plate (330) may be provided inside the case (340).

[0097] A single fluid blocking plate (330) may be provided, but in the case of multiple fluid blocking plates (330), the fluid blocking plates (330) may be provided in an alternating manner so that the fluid can move from the top to the bottom of the buffer tank (300) along the fluid blocking plates (330). In this case as well, the effect of lengthening the movement path of the flowing fluid can be provided.

[0098] In addition, the introduced fluid primarily flows due to the flow barrier plate (330), thereby reducing the size of the stagnant flow area stagnating inside the tank and increasing the movement trajectory of the fluid, thereby having the effect of slowing down the movement speed of the water temperature separation layer inside the tank.

[0099] For example, in the case where a plurality of flow shielding plates (330) are provided, the spacing between the flow shielding plates (330) may be equally spaced relative to the height, which is the distance between the upper and lower parts of the tank, or among the areas separated by the flow shielding plates (330), the inlet area of ​​the tank, which is the area where the inlet pipe (310) is connected, and the outlet area, which is the area where the outlet pipe (320) is connected, may be spaced relatively large, while the other intermediate areas may be spaced with a small orifice structure. In this case, the effect of slowing down the outlet flow rate can be provided, thereby slowing down the movement speed of the water temperature separation layer.

[0100] For example, the horizontal length of the flow shielding plate (330) may be in the range of 60 to 90% of the cylindrical diameter of the buffer tank (300). Accordingly, the flow velocity can be formed in a range that reduces the stagnant flow area. In addition, when a plurality of flow shielding plates (330) are provided, the horizontal length may gradually become shorter from the top to the bottom. This can provide the effect of reducing the size of the stagnant flow area.

[0101] For example, a distributor (350) for a buffer tank that connects the inside and outside of the case (340) and is connected to an outlet pipe (320) through which the fluid of the buffer tank (300) is discharged, and is connected to the inlet pipe (310), and a distributor (360) for another buffer tank in which the fluid flow inside is opposite may be included.

[0102] In this case, the fluid may be introduced into the rectifying wall (3532) of the distributor (360), and the inlet (E2) and the outlet pipe (320) may be connected. That is, the fluid flow may be in the opposite direction to that when installed in the inlet pipe (310). In this case, the rectifying wall (3532) may be formed to be positioned toward the lower wall (342) of the case (340), and in this case, the longest fluid movement flow within the tank may be formed.

[0103] By providing such a buffer tank (303), a buffer tank (303) can be provided that maintains stratification without destroying the water temperature separation layer and has sufficient stratification requirement time.

[0104] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are (a) a schematic diagram of a conventional buffer tank and (b) a diagram showing the fluid flow and pressure distribution inside the tank over time, and FIG. 10 is (a) a schematic diagram of a buffer tank according to an embodiment of the present invention and (b) a diagram showing the fluid flow inside the tank in the upper part of the table and the pressure distribution in the lower part over time.

[0105] Figures 8 to 10 show the same conditions for all but the structural differences in the location of the inlet and outlet pipes within the buffer tank and the presence of a flow barrier or distributor. Specifically, the temperature of the incoming fluid is 24°C, the temperature of the existing fluid is 20°C, and the stratification time is 8 minutes, i.e., 480 seconds. When the flow velocity of the inlet pipe is 3.61 m / s, the flow of the fluid within the tank, along with the temperature and pressure distributions, are plotted over time.

[0106] In the case of the buffer tank of Fig. 8, where no flow-blocking plate is installed inside the case, the introduced hot water descends vertically along the tank wall near the upper inlet pipe, then moves to the bottom tank wall and exits through the lower outlet pipe. At this time, vortices are formed throughout the tank, and the vortex pattern changes over time. As a result, the water temperature separation layer is destroyed in a very short period of time, as can be seen in the table after 1 minute.

[0107] In the case of the buffer tank of Fig. 9, a vertical flow shield plate is provided inside the case, and it has an upper inlet pipe and an upper outlet pipe (320) that allow the longest flow path. The fluid moving along the tank wall creates two vortex regions by the flow shield plate, and due to the location of the outlet pipe at the top of the tank, the water temperature separation layer is destroyed more slowly than in the case of Fig. 8, but as can be seen in the table after 4 minutes, the stratification time requirement is not satisfied.

[0108] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a case according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which only a distributor (350, 360) connected to an inlet pipe (310) and an outlet pipe (320) is provided, without a flow blocking plate (330). The flow exiting the distributor (350) is changed into a flow surrounding the distributor (350) and then moves downward. Therefore, it can be seen that the possibility of mixed flow or vortex generation is suppressed by providing the distributor (350) in the buffer tank (303). In addition, the movement of the water temperature separation layer over time is very slow compared to the case of FIG. 8 or FIG. 9. At this time, the pressure difference from the inlet pipe (310) to the outlet pipe (320), including the inside of the tank, is a maximum of 34 kPa, which is small compared to the atmospheric pressure of 101.3 kPa, and thus the pressure loss is small. In addition, even after 8 minutes, which is the stratification requirement, the low temperature water layer is maintained regardless of the distributor (360) connected to the outlet pipe (320), thereby satisfying the stratification requirement. Additionally, it can be seen that the distributor (360) connected to the outlet pipe (320) is provided, so that low temperature fluid can still be discharged even after 10 minutes have passed. If a flow shield plate (330) is provided, it can be expected that the effect will be even better.

[0109] Fig. 11 illustrates the increase in outlet temperature in the outlet pipe over time when a high-temperature fluid is introduced into a buffer tank according to one embodiment of the present invention. The dotted line represents the case of Fig. 8, the thin solid line represents the case of Fig. 9, and the thick solid line represents the case of Fig. 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] As can be seen in Fig. 11, when looking at the stratification requirement time of 480 seconds, it can be seen that it is very short in the case of Figs. 8 and 9 compared to the present invention.

[0111] In this way, the data center buffer tank (300) equipped with the distributor (350) and the flow shield plate (330) of the present invention actively lowers the flow rate of the fluid entering from the inlet pipe during the stratification requirement time or when there is variation, thereby suppressing mixed flow or eddy currents. Through this, the destruction of the water temperature separation layer inside the tank is prevented, and by flowing the slow fluid discharged from the distributor (350) to the flow shield plates (330) arranged in a staggered manner in multiple places, the size of the stagnant flow area inside the buffer tank (300) is reduced and the movement trajectory of the fluid is increased, thereby slowing down the movement speed of the water temperature separation layer inside the tank, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the outlet pipe (320) of the tank.

Claims

1. A curved surface formed so that the introduced fluid moves toward the center of movement. A curved flow path including a through hole formed corresponding to the center of movement so that the fluid moved toward the center of movement changes its direction of movement; A damping member arranged in correspondence with the movement center and the through hole so that the fluid passing through the through hole changes its movement direction; and A distributor for a buffer tank, comprising a chamber portion forming a space in which a fluid whose direction of movement is changed in the damping portion flows inside.

2. In paragraph 1, The above curved part is, An inlet through which the fluid is introduced and connected to the outside; A first flow path including a first surface forming the curved surface and a second surface spaced apart from the first surface at least in a corresponding manner, and through which a fluid introduced through the inlet between the first surface and the second surface moves toward the center of movement; and A distributor for a buffer tank, comprising a second flow path having one end open so that the fluid can move toward the center of movement in one or more directions by connecting the first surface and the second surface.

3. In paragraph 2, The above first euro is, A third surface of a plane connected to the first surface; A distributor for a buffer tank, comprising: a fourth surface connected to the second surface and corresponding at least in part to the third surface, and in which the through hole is formed; 4. In paragraph 2, The above damping part, Formed in a shape that is cut by at least some plane of a sphere or ellipsoid The above plane damping surface; and Includes a damping vertex formed in the opposite direction to the above damping surface; A distributor for a buffer tank, wherein the damping apex is positioned closer to the center of movement and the through hole than other parts of the damping section.

5. In paragraph 4, A fifth side corresponding at least in part to the second side, The damping surface of the damping part included in the above sphere or ellipsoid shape A distributor for a buffer tank including a third euro formed therein.

6. In paragraph 5, The above chamber part, a chamber wall extending from the fifth surface; and A distributor for a buffer tank, comprising a rectifying wall parallel to the above damping surface.

7. In paragraph 6, A distributor for a buffer tank including a protruding guide extending from the chamber wall to guide fluid passing through the rectifying wall.

8. In paragraph 6, The above-mentioned rectifier wall is a distributor for a buffer tank, which is a plate with holes perforated at regular intervals.

9. In paragraph 2, A fastening means connected to the above damping part and passing through the through hole; and A distributor for a buffer tank, comprising a fastening part including a fastening groove formed on a third surface of a plane connected to the first surface.

10. In paragraph 2, The second euro is a distributor for a buffer tank that is an annular shape that connects the first side and the second side and is open toward the first euro.

11. In a buffer tank installed in the air conditioning system of a data center, a cylindrical case; and A distributor for a buffer tank connected to an inlet pipe connecting the inside and outside of the case; The distributor for the above buffer tank is, A curved surface formed so that the introduced fluid moves toward the center of movement. A curved flow path including a through hole formed corresponding to the center of movement so that the fluid moved toward the center of movement changes its direction of movement; A damping member arranged in correspondence with the movement center and the through hole so that the fluid passing through the through hole changes its movement direction; and A buffer tank including a chamber portion forming a space in which a fluid whose direction of movement has been changed in the damping portion flows inside.

12. In paragraph 11, A buffer tank arranged so that the fluid discharged from the above distributor faces the inner wall of the case.

13. In paragraph 11, A buffer tank having at least one fluid shielding plate inside the case.

14. In paragraph 11, A buffer tank that connects the inside and outside of the case and is connected to an outlet pipe through which fluid from the buffer tank is discharged, and includes a distributor for the buffer tank connected to the inlet pipe and a distributor for another buffer tank in which the fluid flow inside the distributor is opposite.

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