Distributor and buffer tank equipped with 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. There may be provided: a distributor that can prevent destruction of a water-temperature stratification layer; and a buffer tank equipped with 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] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a distributor comprises a case including a first space portion for receiving and discharging a fluid introduced from the outside and a second space portion connected to the first space portion, a connecting pipe through which the introduced fluid flows, a first separator plate for dividing the first space portion into at least one sub-space, and a second separator plate for dividing the first space portion and the second space portion and having a connecting passage formed through which the connecting pipe passes, wherein the fluid flows in a first flow inside the connecting pipe, and the flow of the fluid between the first separator plate or the second separator plate and an outer surface of the connecting pipe becomes a second flow that runs counter to the first flow.

[0012] Additionally, the connecting pipe may be extended so that the introduced fluid faces the inner wall of the first space portion existing in the subspace.

[0013] In addition, the connecting pipe may include a main pipe that is connected to the outside of the case and passes through the connecting passage in the second space portion, and one or more branch pipes that are located in the first space portion and are divided from the main pipe.

[0014] Additionally, the main pipe may include one or more curved sections.

[0015] In addition, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting passage is larger than the outer cross-sectional area of ​​the main pipe, and the main pipe can extend from the second space portion to the first space portion through the connecting passage.

[0016] In addition, the sub-space is partitioned into a space including an inner wall of the first space portion adjacent to the end of the branch pipe, and the first separator plate may include a branch passage having a cross-sectional area larger than the outer cross-sectional area of ​​the branch pipe.

[0017] Additionally, it may include a rectifying wall having a plurality of through holes formed therein to discharge the fluid that has moved to the second space.

[0018] Additionally, it may include a flow guide extending outwardly of the case along the rectifying wall.

[0019] Additionally, the rectifying wall may be positioned parallel to the second separator and in a direction intersecting the first separator.

[0020] A buffer tank installed in an air conditioning system of a data center according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a storage container in which a fluid is stored and a distributor for the buffer tank connected to an inlet pipe for fluid introduced into the storage container.

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

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

[0023] Additionally, a distributor for a buffer tank connected to an outlet pipe through which fluid is discharged from the storage vessel and connected to the inlet pipe and a distributor for another buffer tank in which the flow of fluid is reversed inside the distributor 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] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a distributor for a buffer tank according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion AA' of a distributor for a buffer tank according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 6 is a flow chart showing the fluid flow in the AA' portion of the distributor for the buffer tank according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a distributor for a buffer tank according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the BB' portion of the distributor for the buffer tank according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 9 is a flow chart showing the fluid flow in the BB' section of the distributor for the buffer tank according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the CC' portion of a distributor for a buffer tank according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Fig. 11 is a flow chart showing the fluid flow in the CC' portion of the distributor for the buffer tank according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a buffer tank according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a buffer tank according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 14 is a table comparing the schematic shape, streamline distribution and temperature distribution according to a comparative example and an embodiment according to the present invention in the case of 8 minutes in an abnormal situation.

[0039] Figure 15 is a graph comparing temperature changes over time in the outlet pipe of a buffer tank.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The shape and size of elements in the drawing may be exaggerated for clearer explanation.

[0043] 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, such 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] Unless otherwise specified in the specification of the present invention, the % unit means weight %.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] Figure 2 illustrates a buffer tank having a fluid shielding plate inside for a stratification function.

[0050] This is a schematic diagram of a commercial buffer tank (301) having a fluid blocking plate (330) vertically positioned in the center of the 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a distributor provided in a buffer tank according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] A distributor (350A) provided in a buffer tank according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a case (10), a connecting pipe (20), and a rectifying wall (30).

[0059] If the direction in which the fluid is introduced through the connecting pipe (20) in the drawing is defined as the first direction (Z direction), the direction in which the fluid is discharged and intersects the first direction is defined as the second direction (X direction), and the third direction (Y direction) intersecting the first and second directions is defined.

[0060] The case (10) can distinguish the outside and inside of the distributor, and forms a space (S1, S2, see FIG. 5) inside and includes an open surface (not shown) that is at least partially open. In addition, an inlet (not shown) is formed through which a fluid is introduced into the inside of the case (10). The open surface is formed by a joined portion when the rectifying wall (30) is not joined to the case (10), and the inlet is formed by penetrating the case (10) when the connecting pipe (20) is not connected to the case (10).

[0061] The connecting pipe (20) is a pipe through which an external fluid is introduced into the interior of the case (10) from the first direction (Z direction), and is connected to the inlet port and joined to the case (10). Thus, the connecting pipe (20) can be extended to the interior of the case (10) so that the fluid introduced from the outside can reach a specific location.

[0062] The rectifying wall (30) is positioned on the open surface and has a plurality of through holes (32, see Fig. 5). Accordingly, the fluid is introduced in a first direction along the connecting pipe, changes direction internally, passes through the through holes of the rectifying wall, and is discharged in a second direction. At this time, the fluid introduced into the interior of the case (10) through the connecting pipe (20) passes through the rectifying wall (30), the flow is organized, and the fluid in a laminar flow state can be discharged.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a flow guide portion (40) extending outwardly from the case (10) along the rectifying wall (30) may be included.

[0064] The flow guide unit (40) may be formed integrally with the case (10), or may be configured as a separate component to guide the fluid to be easily discharged to the outside. The fluid that has passed through the flow guide wall (30) flows along the flow guide unit (40) without flowing backwards, and is discharged to the outside of the case (10).

[0065] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of a distributor provided in a buffer tank according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a flow chart briefly showing the flow of fluid on the cross-sectional view of Fig. 5.

[0066] A distributor (350A) according to a first embodiment of the present invention has a case (10) that forms an internal space (S1, S2) capable of receiving and discharging a fluid introduced from the outside, and an inlet port through which the external fluid is introduced, and the internal space includes a first space portion (S1) and a second space portion (S2) connected to the first space portion (S1), and includes an open surface that is at least partially open so that the introduced fluid is discharged.

[0067] The internal space of the case (10) is divided into a first space (S1) and a second space (S2), and the flow of fluid passes through the first space (S1) from the outside of the case (10) through the connecting pipe (20), passes through the second space (S2), and the rectifying wall (30), and is discharged again to the outside of the case (10).

[0068] For example, the first space portion (S1) and the second space portion (S2) can be separated by a second separator plate (50) in which a connecting passage (52) having a cross-sectional area larger than the outer cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting pipe (20) is formed on the main plate (51). For reference, the first separator plate (70) will be described in the description of the second embodiment.

[0069] A connecting passage (52) is formed in the second separator plate (50) to allow fluid to flow. This may be a shape in which a portion of the main plate (51) is perforated, and if necessary, the perforated portion may further include a configuration for an additional path or guide. This may vary depending on the design.

[0070] And, since the inlet is formed in the second space portion (S2), and the connecting pipe (20) moves from the second space portion (S2) to the first space portion (S1) through the connecting passage (52), the fluid must pass between the connecting pipe (20) and the connecting passage (52) while the connecting pipe (20) is positioned. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting passage (52) is formed to be larger than the outer cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting pipe (20). If there is an additional path, etc., the cross-sectional area can be determined in a state projected in the second direction (X direction).

[0071] For example, the second separator (50) and the rectifying wall (30) may be formed parallel in the first direction (Z direction) and the third direction (Y direction). When considering the fluid flow, it may be advantageous for the second separator (50) and the rectifying wall (30) to be parallel in the first direction (Z direction) for the flow parallel to the rectifying wall (30), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a collision portion (60) protruding inwardly from the first space portion (S1) is formed, and the collision portion (60) can be positioned on the path of movement of a fluid moving through the connecting pipe (20).

[0073] As a technical means for lowering the flow characteristics of the discharge flow exiting the distributor (350A) from a turbulent Reynolds number of 4000 or more in the inlet pipe (310) to a laminar Reynolds number of 2000 or less, an impact portion (60) may be formed. In addition, since the pump is stopped during a power outage, the pressure loss of the hot water passing through the distributor (350A) should be small, so that the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet sides of the distributor (350A) and the maximum pressure difference inside the distributor (350A) should be small. To this end, the fluid moving through the connecting pipe (20) from the distributor (350A) has a straight path of movement when sprayed from the connecting pipe (20) along the pipe, and a collision part (60) is positioned on this path of movement so that the fluid directly collides with it, causing the fluid to spread in the first space part (S1), thereby generating a collision flow and maximizing the occurrence of chaos, thereby playing a role in reducing the flow velocity of the fluid.

[0074] For example, the collision portion (60) may be formed as a column (61) including a disk shape (62) of a circular plate. The fluid discharged through the connecting pipe (20) in a straight flow direction is directed in the opposite direction to the discharge flow direction (X direction) of the distributor (350A) and sent toward the inner wall (11) of the first space portion (S1), but the high flow velocity can be first slowed down by colliding with a circular disk (62) wider than the inner diameter of the connecting pipe (20).

[0075] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an induction flange (24) extending from the outer surface of the connection pipe (20) may be formed at the end of the connection pipe (20). The induction flange (24) may be further included so that the fluid that spreads by colliding with the impact portion (60) may be formed to spread in the radial direction of the induction flange (24).

[0076] In the first space (S1), a mixed flow (or vortex) is formed by the effect of the collision part (60) and the induction flange (24), and the fluid moves to the second space (S2) between the connecting passage (52) formed in the second separator (50) and the connecting pipe (20). While passing through the connecting passage (52), the fluid can flow at a faster speed than right before passing through the first space (S1). However, since the second space (S2) has a wider cross-sectional area than the connecting passage (52), it provides an effect of slowing down again. The second space (S2) corresponds to an area that is in contact with the open surface of the case (10), and the rectifying wall (30) is located at the open surface, so the fluid passes through the second space (S2) and is discharged to the outside of the distributor via the rectifying wall (30). When passing through the rectifying wall (30), the speed of the fluid becomes uniform. And, the discharged fluid can move to the outside of the distributor along the flow guide portion (40) without being re-absorbed into the distributor along the flow guide portion (40).

[0077] For example, the connecting pipe (20) may include a straight portion (21) connected to the outside, a bent portion (22) that has a 180° flow direction with respect to the second direction (X direction) which is the discharge direction, and a straight portion (23) that is connected to the bent portion (22) and forms a straight flow of fluid toward the collision portion (60).

[0078] According to the first embodiment described above, the fluid introduced into the distributor (350A) is mixed due to a collision occurring in a specific shape, and the fluid discharged by rectifying it can provide an effect of forming a laminar flow in the flow characteristics.

[0079] A distributor (350D, see FIG. 7) according to the second embodiment may be characterized in that it divides a first space (S1) into a plurality of spaces (S11, S12, S13, see FIG. 10) to form a narrow space compared to a simple first space (S1), and moves a fluid in the divided narrow space to create a mixed flow. This distributor (350D) according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11.

[0080] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a distributor according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing the flow of fluid on the cross-sectional view of Fig. 8.

[0081] A distributor (350D) according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a case (10), a connecting pipe (20), and a rectifying wall (30). In addition, a flow guide unit (40) may be further included.

[0082] Descriptions of the case (10), connecting pipe (20), rectifying wall (30) and flow guide (40) as described above are based on the contents described above in FIGS. 7 to 11 unless otherwise specified.

[0083] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' in Fig. 7. Fig. 11 is a flow chart showing the flow of fluid in Fig. 10.

[0084] In a distributor (350D) according to a second embodiment of the present invention, a case (10) including a first space (S1) for receiving and discharging a fluid introduced from the outside and a second space (S2) connected to the first space (S1), a connection pipe (20) through which the introduced fluid flows, a first separator (70) dividing the first space (S1) and the second space (S2) into at least one sub-space (S11, S12, S13) including an inner wall (11) of the first space (S1), and a second separator (50) dividing the first space (S1) and the second space (S2) and having a connection passage (52) through which the connection pipe (20) passes, the fluid flows in a first flow inside the connection pipe (50), and the flow of the fluid between the first separator (70) or the second separator (50) and the outer surface of the connection pipe (20) is the first There can be a second flow (F21, F22) that goes against the flow (F11, F12).

[0085] The fluid moves from the narrowest space to an increasingly wider space. When moving from a sub-space (S11, S12, S13) to a sub-space (S11, S12, S13), or when moving from a sub-space (S11, S12, S13) to a second space (S2), the flow inside and outside the connecting pipe (20) forms a flow that runs counter to each other, and as it moves from a narrow space to a wider space, the pressure drops and the fluid can have a greater effect of rectifying. For example, the first separator (70) may include a sub-plate (71) that divides the first space (S1) and defines at least one sub-space (S11, S12, S13) including an inner wall (11) adjacent to the branch pipe (26a, 26b), and a branch passage (72) having a cross-sectional area larger than the outer cross-sectional area of ​​the branch pipe (26a, 26b) may be formed.

[0086] For example, the branch pipes (26a, 26b) may be connected to the sub-spaces (S11, S12, S13) through the branch passage (72). The first separator (70) may include a branch passage (72) having a cross-sectional area larger than the outer cross-sectional area of ​​the branch pipes (26a, 26b) and may be formed so that the ends of the branch pipes (26a, 26b) are positioned in the narrow spaces of the sub-spaces (S11, S12, S13) so that the fluid is directly discharged into the sub-spaces (S11, S12, S13).

[0087] The first separator (70) confines the straight flow formed through the branch pipes (26a, 26b) into a relatively small space compared to the first space (S1), and as a result, the fluid collides with the inner wall (11), the subplate (71), and the incoming fluid, creating a mixed flow. In addition, if the branch pipes (26a, 26b) are connected to the subspaces (S11, S12, S13), even if the fluid loses its straight flow, the fluid can be immediately confined in a narrow space.

[0088] In addition, the branch pipes (26a, 26b) can branch into one or more directions to discharge straight flow in multiple directions. Therefore, one or more first separator plates (70) can also be formed.

[0089] For example, the rectifying wall (30) may be arranged in a direction parallel to the second separator (50) and intersecting with the first separator (70).

[0090] Accordingly, the path passing through the first separator (70) in the subspace (S11, S12, S13), passing through the second separator (50) in another subspace (S11, S12, S13), and passing through the second space (S2) and the rectifying wall (30) can form a longer path compared to the case where the first separator (70) is parallel to the rectifying wall (30), thereby providing an effect in which sufficient rectification of the fluid can be achieved.

[0091] The connecting pipe (20) is connected to the inlet port, coupled to the case (10) so that the fluid can move to the first space (S1), and is connected so as to face the inner wall (11) of the first space (S1).

[0092] And, in the case where there are sub-spaces (S11, S12, S13), the connecting pipe (20) guides the fluid toward a narrower space by extending so that the introduced fluid is directed toward the inner wall of the first space portion (S1) existing in the sub-spaces (S11, S12, S13), and since the fluid can form a mixed flow by hitting the inner wall (11), it is effective in changing the introduced high-speed fluid into a mixed flow.

[0093] The connecting pipe (20) is connected to the outside of the case (10) and may include a main pipe (21, 22, 23) passing through the connecting passage (52) in the second space (S2) and one or more branch pipes (26a, 26b) located in the first space (S1) and divided from the main pipe (21, 22, 23).

[0094] The main pipe (21, 22, 23) may be a pipe connected to an inlet or the outside. In addition, it extends from the second space (S2) through the connection passage (52) to the first space (S1), thereby forming an overall long flow of fluid. In addition, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connection passage (52) is formed to be larger than the outer cross-sectional area of ​​the main pipe (21, 22, 23), so that the main pipe (21, 22, 23) can easily move to the first space (S1), and a second flow (F21) in which the fluid flows backward can be formed on the outer side of the main pipe (21, 22, 23).

[0095] According to one embodiment, a pipe having a straight section (21), a bent section (22), and a straight section (23) as described in the first embodiment above is described, but is not limited to a specific shape. The bent section is formed on the main pipe, so that the introduced fluid immediately performs a role of greatly reducing its speed at the bent section (22) of the main pipe (21, 22, 23) at least once along the bent section (22). In addition, the bent section (22) may be formed in order to simply form a structure that moves to the first space section (S1).

[0096] In addition, the branch pipes (26a, 26b) are pipes located within the first space (S1), are connected to the main pipes (21, 22, 23), and may be pipes that are divided into one or more pipes from the main pipes (21, 22, 23). The diameters (d1) of the main pipes (21, 22, 23) and the diameters (d2) of the branch pipes (26a, 26b) may be formed to have the same diameter (d1 = d2), but the branch pipes (26a, 26b) may be formed to have a smaller diameter (d1 > d2) than the main pipes (21, 22, 23), and the diameter design of the pipes may be different in consideration of the pressure loss within the pipes.

[0097] The flow formed by the branch pipes (26a, 26b) flows on the outside of the connecting pipe (20), and a mixed flow is formed within the first space (S1). Then, this fluid is discharged to the outside of the distributor (350D) through the second space (S2) and the rectifying wall (30).

[0098] For example, the flow (F11) of the fluid flowing in the main pipe (21, 22, 23) and the flow (F21) of the fluid between the main pipe (21, 22, 23) and the second separator (50) form a reverse flow. In addition, the flow (F12) of the fluid flowing in the branch pipe (26a, 26b) and the flow (F22) of the fluid between the branch pipe (26a, 26b) and the first separator (70) also form a reverse flow. Therefore, the first flow (F11, F12) in the connecting pipe (20) and the second flow (F22, F21), which is the flow of the fluid between the connecting pipe (20) and the first separator (70) or the second separator (50), form a reverse flow.

[0099] In this way, the direction of movement of the fluid is changed multiple times, a long path is formed within a narrow space, and the effect of reducing the speed of the fluid being drawn in at a high speed and ensuring that the flow discharged from the distributor (350D) has a stable laminar flow is provided.

[0100] For example, a part of the main pipes (21, 22, 23) and the branch pipes (26a, 26b) may be T-shaped pipes. In this case, the fluid may be first guided in the opposite direction to the discharge direction through the main pipes (21, 22, 23), and then secondarily guided at a right angle through the T-shaped pipes (26a, 26b) as branch pipes to collide with the inner wall (11) of the distributor, thereby generating a mixed flow due to the collision as described above. The flow that passes through the connecting passage (52) thereafter, passes through the second space (S2), and is discharged through the rectifying wall (30) may not be significantly different from the first embodiment described above.

[0101] According to the second embodiment described above, the fluid introduced into the distributor (350D) is mixed due to collision occurring in a narrow space, and the fluid discharged by rectifying it can provide an effect of forming a laminar flow with flow characteristics.

[0102] Hereinafter, the streamline distribution, re-entrainment at the baffle wall, and pressure distribution measured and confirmed by the inventors when a fluid flows through a distributor according to the first embodiment of the present invention are described. It is assumed that the fluid passing through the inlet pipe (310) is water, has a temperature of 24°C, a velocity of 3.61 m / s, a Reynolds number of 256000, and a flow rate of 612 L / min. In the flow of the fluid in the distributor (350A), the decrease in velocity mostly occurs at the collision portion (60), and a large vortex is formed at the second separation plate (50). At this time, the flow velocity passing through the stop wall (30) is 0.044 m / s, and the Reynolds number is 945, which is smaller than the laminar flow standard value of 2000, so laminar flow is formed, and the average velocity of the fluid exiting the flow guide section (40) is 0.0486 m / s, which is significantly reduced to 1.34% of the flow velocity when introduced. In addition, there is no fluid flow that is re-entrained into the stop wall (30) and enters the distributor. It was confirmed that the maximum pressure difference inside the distributor is 13.2 kPa, which is smaller than the atmospheric pressure of 101.3 kPa, and the pressure loss through the distributor (350A) is not large.

[0103] Hereinafter, the streamline distribution, whether or not there is re-entrainment in the rectifying wall, and pressure distribution measured and confirmed by the inventors when the fluid flows through the distributor according to the second embodiment of the present invention are described.

[0104] It is assumed that the fluid passing through the inlet pipe (310) is water, has a temperature of 24℃, a fluid velocity of 3.61 m / s, a Reynolds number of 256000, and a flow rate of 612 L / min. In the flow of fluid in the distributor (350D), the decrease in velocity mostly occurs in the subspaces (S11, S12, S13), and a large vortex is formed in the second separator (50). At this time, the flow velocity passing through the flow guide wall (30) is 0.056 m / s, and the Reynolds number is 1202, which is less than the laminar flow reference value of 2000, so a laminar flow is formed, and the average velocity of the fluid exiting the flow guide part (40) is 0.04 m / s, which is greatly reduced to 1.1% of the flow velocity when introduced. In addition, there is no fluid flow that is re-entrained in the flow guide wall (30) and enters the distributor. The maximum pressure difference inside the distributor (350D) was 12.83 kPa, which was smaller than the atmospheric pressure of 101.3 kPa, confirming that the pressure loss through the distributor (350D) was not large.

[0105] 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.

[0106] Figures 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams of a buffer tank according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] 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 storage container (340) and a distributor (350).

[0108] Here, the distributor (350) may include both the distributors (350A, 350D) according to the first and second embodiments described above. FIG. 12 illustrates that the distributor (350A) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be arranged, and FIG. 13 illustrates that the distributor (350D) according to the second embodiment of the present invention may be arranged, and the other contents are the same.

[0109] The storage container (340) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the storage container (340) is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and the upper and lower parts may further include a dome shape.

[0110] Fluid can be introduced into the interior of the storage container (340) through the inlet pipe (310).

[0111] The distributor (350) for the buffer tank may have an inlet pipe (310) connected to the end of the connecting pipe (20) close to the inlet port described above, which connects the inside and the outside of the storage container (340). Accordingly, the fluid drawn in through the inlet pipe (310) can be directly drawn into the inside of the distributor (350).

[0112] For example, the fluid discharged from the distributor (350) may be arranged to face the inner wall (341) of the storage container (340). In order to maximize the travel path of the fluid passing through the buffer tank, the discharge direction of the distributor (350) is a second direction (X direction) toward the inner wall (341), and the discharge flow that hits the inner wall (341) of the storage container (340) may be formed to surround the distributor (350) and come out.

[0113] For example, at least one fluid shielding plate (330) may be provided inside the storage container (340).

[0114] 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 (303) 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] For example, the horizontal direction (X direction) length of the flow shielding plate (330) may be in the range of 60 to 90% of the diameter of the cylindrical portion. 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 direction (X direction) length may gradually become shorter from the top to the bottom. Through this, the effect of reducing the size of the stagnant flow area can be provided.

[0118] For example, a case in which three fluid shielding plates (330) are provided inside a storage container (340) will be described as an example.

[0119] At this time, the first flow shielding plate (331), the second flow shielding plate (332) and the third flow shielding plate (333) are arranged in the order of proximity to the inlet pipe (310), and the first length (which is the length of the first flow shielding plate (331) in the horizontal direction (the second direction (X direction)) 1) The second length of the second fluid shielding plate (332) 2) and the third length of the third fluid shielding plate (333) 3) can be said.

[0120] For example, a plurality of flow shielding plates (330) may be placed at positions that evenly divide the vertical length of the first direction (Z direction) of the storage tank (340).

[0121] Alternatively, when comparing the distance between the closest flow shielding plate (330) in the first direction (Z direction) among the plurality of flow shielding plates (330) and the inner wall of the storage container (340) or the distance between the flow shielding plate (330) and the inner wall of the storage container (340), the distance between the flow shielding plates (330) and the inner wall of the storage container (340) may be formed to be greater than the distance between the flow shielding plates (330).

[0122] And, the length of the plurality of flow shielding plates (330) in the second direction (X direction) can be gradually reduced from the flow shielding plates (330) that are closer to the inlet pipe (310) in the first direction (Z direction) in the order of distance. Accordingly, the first length of the first flow shielding plate (331) 1) from the third length ( 3) It becomes smaller as it goes in. And the area parallel to the second direction of the fluid shielding plate (330) exists within 60 to 90% of the cross-sectional area parallel to the second direction (X direction) of the storage tank.

[0123] Although the description is limited to the case where three fluid shielding plates (330) are installed, the number is not limited thereto and may vary depending on the design.

[0124] For example, a distributor (350) for a buffer tank that connects the inside and outside of a storage container (340) and is connected to an outlet pipe (320) through which fluid from the buffer tank is discharged, and a distributor (360) for another buffer tank in which the fluid flow inside is opposite may be included.

[0125] In this case, the fluid is introduced into the rectifying wall (30) of the distributor (360), and the outlet pipe (320) may be connected to the end of the connecting pipe (20) close to the inlet of another distributor (360). That is, the fluid flow is in the opposite direction to that when installed in the inlet pipe (310). In this case, the rectifying wall (30) may be formed to be positioned toward the lower wall (342) of the storage container (340), and in this case, the longest fluid movement flow within the tank may be formed.

[0126] By providing such a buffer tank, it is possible to have a buffer tank that maintains stratification without destroying the water temperature separation layer and has sufficient stratification time.

[0127] Figure 14 is a comparison between a comparative example and an embodiment according to the present invention, and is a schematic diagram according to each section in order from the top, and shows the streamline distribution and temperature and pressure distribution inside the tank at a time point of 8 minutes, which is the stratification required time.

[0128] At this time, the type of fluid is water, the temperature of the incoming fluid is 24℃, and the temperature of the fluid previously existing in the tank is 20℃. In addition, the stratification required time is 8 minutes, i.e., 480 seconds, and the velocity of the fluid in the inlet pipe is 3.61 m / s.

[0129] Comparative Example 1 is a commonly used water tank, Comparative Example 2 is a buffer tank (302) having a vertically installed flow shield plate as shown in FIG. 2, and the embodiment is a buffer tank having a distributor (350D) according to the second embodiment of the present invention and including three flow shield plates (330) inside.

[0130] In Comparative Example 1, the fluid descends vertically along the inner wall of the tank near the inlet pipe (310), moves to the inner wall of the tank at the bottom, and exits through the outlet pipe (320). At this time, a vortex (or mixed flow) is formed throughout the tank, and the vortex pattern changes over time. As a result, the water temperature separation layer is shown to be destroyed within a short period of time.

[0131] In the case of Comparative Example 2, similarly to Comparative Example 1, the fluid moving along the inner wall of the tank creates two vortex regions by the flow shield plate (330), and the water temperature separation layer is destroyed more slowly than in Comparative Example 1 due to the location of the outlet pipe (320) located at the top of the tank. However, it can be seen that the water temperature separation layer has already been destroyed after 8 minutes.

[0132] In the example, it can be seen that the fluid flow and the water temperature separation layer are still maintained after 8 minutes. Compared to Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the fluid trajectory, i.e., the streamline, is relatively long, and the flow velocity exiting the distributor is very slow, indicating that the water temperature separation layer is maintained.

[0133] Fig. 15 illustrates the increase in outlet temperature in an 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 Comparative Example 1 of Fig. 14, the thin solid line represents Comparative Example 2 of Fig. 14, and the thick solid line represents the case in which there is no flow shield plate at all in the embodiment of Fig. 14, which is one of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0134] As can be seen in Fig. 15, when looking at the stratification requirement time of 480 seconds, it can be seen that the time is very short in Comparative Examples 1 and 2 compared to Example 1. And it can be seen that the Example sufficiently satisfies the requirement time.

[0135] And, even in the absence of the flow shield plate (330), the flow rate is greatly slowed down by the distributor (350), so that the required time is sufficiently satisfied. Therefore, it can be seen that the stratification effect according to the distributor (350) according to one embodiment of the present invention is greater than the effect according to the flow shield plate (330).

[0136] Accordingly, the buffer tank (303) equipped with the distributor (350) of the present invention has the advantage of strongly suppressing the temperature rise of the outlet pipe (320) by activating the generation of a mixed flow that provides a damping effect by generating a collision flow in the distributor even when the flow rate of the fluid entering from the inlet pipe (310) is large or fluctuates during the stratification requirement time, thereby preventing the destruction of the water temperature separation layer inside the tank and thereby causing the fluid discharged from the distributor (350) to become laminar.

Claims

1. A case including a first space portion for receiving and discharging a fluid introduced from the outside and a second space portion connected to the first space portion; A connecting pipe through which the introduced fluid flows; A first separator plate dividing the first space into at least one sub-space; and A second separator plate is formed to separate the first space portion and the second space portion, and a connecting passage through which the connecting pipe passes is formed; A distributor for a buffer tank in which the fluid flows in a first flow inside the connecting pipe, and the flow of the fluid between the first separator plate or the second separator plate and the outer surface of the connecting pipe becomes a second flow that runs counter to the first flow.

2. In paragraph 1, The above connecting pipe is a distributor for a buffer tank that extends so that the introduced fluid faces the inner wall of the first space portion existing in the subspace.

3. In paragraph 2, The above connector is, A main pipe connected to the outside of the case and passing through the connecting passage in the second space, A distributor for a buffer tank located in the first space and including one or more branch pipes divided from the main pipe.

4. In paragraph 3, The above main pipe is a distributor for a buffer tank including one or more bends.

5. In paragraph 3, The cross-sectional area of ​​the above connecting passage is larger than the outer cross-sectional area of ​​the above main pipe, A distributor for a buffer tank in which the main pipe extends from the second space section to the first space section through the connecting passage.

6. In paragraph 3, The above sub-space is defined as a space including the inner wall of the first space portion adjacent to the end of the branch pipe, A distributor for a buffer tank, wherein the first separator plate includes a branch passage having a cross-sectional area larger than the outer cross-sectional area of ​​the branch pipe.

7. In paragraph 1, A distributor for a buffer tank including a rectifying wall having a plurality of through holes formed therein so that fluid moved to the second space section is discharged.

8. In paragraph 7, A distributor for a buffer tank comprising a flow guide portion extending outwardly of the case along the rectifying wall.

9. In paragraph 7, A distributor for a buffer tank, wherein the above-mentioned rectifying wall is positioned parallel to the second separator and in a direction intersecting the first separator.

10. In a buffer tank installed in the air conditioning system of a data center, A storage vessel in which a fluid is stored; and A buffer tank comprising a distributor for a buffer tank according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which is connected to an inlet pipe for a fluid introduced into the storage container.

11. In paragraph 10, A buffer tank arranged so that the fluid discharged from the above distributor faces the inner wall of the above storage container.

12. In paragraph 10, A buffer tank having at least one fluid barrier plate inside the storage container.

13. In paragraph 10, A buffer tank connected to an outlet pipe through which fluid is discharged from the above storage vessel, and including a distributor for a buffer tank connected to the inlet pipe, and a distributor for another buffer tank in which the flow of fluid is reversed inside the distributor.

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