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. A distributor capable of preventing the destruction of a thermocline and a buffer tank having same may be provided.

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 according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a main pipe formed in a ring shape and connected to an inlet pipe through which a fluid is introduced, a second nozzle section including a first sub-nozzle connected to the main pipe, arranged in a first direction, and having a first spray height in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a second sub-nozzle having a second spray height different from the first spray height in the second direction.

[0012] Additionally, the inlet pipe or the inlet port through which the fluid is introduced and the first sub-nozzle and the second sub-nozzle may be arranged on any arbitrary line parallel to the first direction.

[0013] In addition, the main pipe includes a central pipe connecting the first pipe and the second pipe, and the central pipe and the inlet pipe can be arranged on any arbitrary line parallel to the first direction.

[0014] The first nozzle section includes a third sub-nozzle or a fourth sub-nozzle spaced apart from the first sub-nozzle and the second sub-nozzle in the third direction and having the first spray height or the second spray height in the second direction, wherein the third sub-nozzle or the fourth sub-nozzle is symmetrical with respect to an arbitrary line parallel to the first direction connecting the first sub-nozzle and the second sub-nozzle, and may have a different spray height from the sub-nozzle that is closest in the third direction among the first sub-nozzle, the second sub-nozzle, the third sub-nozzle, or the fourth sub-nozzle.

[0015] Additionally, the second spray height may be higher than the first spray height, and the third spray height may be lower than the second spray height and higher than the first spray height.

[0016] In addition, the injection nozzle includes a first space into which the fluid is introduced and stored, a first lip and a second lip surrounding the first space, the second lip being positioned further from the inlet pipe in the second direction than the first lip, the first lip including a first inclined portion connecting a first plane and the first plane, the second lip including a second inclined portion and a second plane connected to the second inclined portion, and a vertical wall connecting the first lip and the second lip is formed, and the fluid can be injected through a slit or hole formed through the vertical wall in the second direction by passing through the first inclined portion and the second plane.

[0017] Additionally, at least one of the first sub-nozzle and the second sub-nozzle may include a vertical tube longer than the spray height and a spray tube connected to the vertical tube at the spray height.

[0018] 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 coupled to an inlet pipe connected to the storage container.

[0019] Additionally, the distributor for the buffer tank may be arranged so that the inner wall of the storage container and the main pipe of the distributor are parallel.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a vertical buffer tank equipped with a conventional fluid shielding plate.

[0023] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a horizontal buffer tank equipped with a conventional fluid shielding plate.

[0024] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a distributor for a buffer tank according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a distributor for a buffer tank according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' of Figure 5.

[0027] Figure 7 is a flow diagram when fluid flows in a distributor such as Figure 5.

[0028] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the first nozzle section.

[0029] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the second nozzle section.

[0030] Figure 10 is a drawing for illustrating an example of an outlet of a second nozzle unit, where (a) illustrates a slit type and (b) illustrates a through hole type.

[0031] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a distributor for a buffer tank according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a buffer tank according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 13 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.

[0034] Figure 14 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.

[0035] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the flow of fluid inside a buffer tank equipped with a distributor according to the second embodiment, showing (a) a schematic diagram and (b) a drawing showing the fluid flow and pressure distribution inside the tank over time.

[0036] Fig. 16 shows the streamline and velocity vectors of a buffer tank equipped with a distributor of the second embodiment, such as Fig. 15, at a point in time when 8 minutes have passed from an abnormal state.

[0037] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the flow of fluid inside a buffer tank equipped with a distributor according to the first embodiment, showing (a) a schematic diagram and (b) a diagram showing the temperature of the fluid inside the tank over time.

[0038] Fig. 18 shows the streamline and velocity vectors of a buffer tank equipped with a distributor of the second embodiment, such as Fig. 17, at a point in time when 8 minutes have passed from an abnormal state.

[0039] Figure 19 is a graph comparing the performance of a conventional buffer tank and a buffer tank of an embodiment of the present invention.

[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] In the drawing below, a first direction (DR1), a second direction (DR2) intersecting the first direction (DR1), and a direction intersecting the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2) are defined as a third direction (DR3).

[0058] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a distributor for a buffer tank according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] A distributor (350A) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a main pipe (10), a first nozzle part (20), and a second nozzle part (30).

[0060] The main pipe (10) is formed in a ring shape and can be connected to an inlet pipe (310) through which fluid is introduced. Alternatively, the inlet pipe (310) may further include an extension pipe (16) extended toward the inlet pipe (310) to facilitate connection. The point where the fluid is introduced into the main pipe (10) can be defined as an inlet (E).

[0061] For example, the ring shape is not limited, but below, it will be described as a shape having a square ring.

[0062] For example, the main pipe (10) may include the first pipe (11) to the fourth pipe (14).

[0063] The first pipe (11) and the second pipe (12) are parallel in the third direction (DR3). In addition, the third pipe (13) and the fourth pipe (14) are parallel in the first direction (DR1) and can be connected to the first pipe (11) and the second pipe (12).

[0064] For example, in order to facilitate connection with the inlet pipe (310) when a fluid is introduced, the main pipe (10) may further include an extension pipe (16) that can be directly connected to the inlet pipe (310). In addition, the inlet port (E) may generally be formed in the first pipe (11), but when the extension pipe (16) is further included, the inlet port (E) may be formed on the extension pipe (16) connected to the first pipe (11) rather than on the first pipe (11).

[0065] The first nozzle unit (20) includes a first sub-nozzle (21) and a second sub-nozzle (22). For example, the first sub-nozzle (21) and the second sub-nozzle (22) may be connected to the main pipe (10) and arranged on the same line, which is an arbitrary line (line2) parallel to the first direction (DR1), and may have a spray height at which the fluid is sprayed in a second direction (DR2) intersecting the first direction (DR1). At this time, the spray height of the first sub-nozzle (21) is the first spray height (h1), the spray height of the second sub-nozzle (22) is the second spray height (h2), and the first spray height (h1) and the second spray height (h2) have different spray heights.

[0066] The injection height is the height of the point where the fluid is injected, and is measured as the distance in the second direction (DR 2) from the point where the fluid is injected. The measurement reference plane can be specified as any plane defined by the first direction (DR 1) and the third direction (DR 3), and is expressed in the drawing as an example based on the plane formed at the center of the main pipe (10).

[0067] For example, the first sub-nozzle (21) may be connected to the first pipe (11), and the second sub-nozzle (22) may be connected to the second pipe (12). In addition, the inlet pipe (310) or the inlet port (E) through which the fluid is introduced, and the first sub-nozzle (21) and the second sub-nozzle (22) may be arranged in a row on any arbitrary line (line2) parallel to the first direction (DR1). In addition, by spraying the fluid in opposing directions and facing each other at different heights, the fluid may form a rotating flow.

[0068] The first sub-nozzle (21) is located below a vertical pipe (231, see Fig. 8) that is connected by crossing the upper portion of a T-shaped or cross-shaped pipe connected to an inlet pipe (310) or a connecting pipe (16), and an empty space (S1, see Fig. 8) formed in the vertical pipe (231), and when the fluid moves into the ejection portion (232, see Fig. 8) that is connected in parallel with the first direction (DR1) by crossing the vertical pipe (231), it passes through a nozzle hole (H, see Fig. 8) that has a reduction and re-expansion of the cross-sectional area through which the flow rate passes. At this time, the first sub-nozzle (21) and the second sub-nozzle (22) are arranged in the main pipe (10) as a pair with their jetting portions (232) facing each other, and the nozzle close to the inlet pipe (310) has a second jetting height (h2) that is different from the height of the second sub-nozzle (22) opposite the first jetting height (h1), so that the fast jetting flows exiting the first sub-nozzle (21) and the second sub-nozzle (22) intersect to form a primary vortex (V1, see FIG. 7) at the center of the distributor (350A).

[0069] The second nozzle unit (30) is connected to the main pipe (10) so as to be arranged along a third direction (DR3) intersecting the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2), and includes a spray nozzle (31) that sprays the fluid at a third spray height (h3) in the second direction (DR2).

[0070] In addition, a bypass pipe (32) connecting the third pipe (13) or the fourth pipe (14) and the injection nozzle (31) may be included. Fluid moves from the main pipe (10) through the bypass pipe (32) and is discharged through the injection nozzle (31). At this time, the bypass pipe (32) may be included to provide advantages in terms of path and manufacturing.

[0071] The second nozzle section (30) includes a spray nozzle (31). At this time, one or more pairs of spray nozzles (31) are connected to the third pipe (13) and the fourth pipe (14) on an arbitrary line (line1) extending in the third direction (DR3), so that the spray nozzles (31) can perform the function of sending the rotating flow to the outside of the distributor.

[0072] The second nozzle unit (30) injects fluid in a direction intersecting with the primary vortex (V1), which is a rotational flow formed by the first nozzle unit (20), thereby moving the rotational flow according to the first nozzle unit (20) toward the outside of the distributor. In addition, when installed in the buffer tank, a rotational flow is formed in the storage container (340) of the buffer tank, and the flow trajectory of the fluid increases in the circumferential direction at the upper portion of the storage container (340) to which the distributor is connected in the buffer tank, where it is generally introduced in a straight line, so that the descending speed of the water temperature separation layer in the buffer tank can be further slowed down.

[0073] Therefore, by generating a fluid flow that moves the center of the vortex out of the distributor, a large rotational flow similar to a circumferential typhoon flow is generated in the upper part of the tank, thereby forcibly increasing the movement trajectory of the fluid without a flow shield plate (330), and then lowering the descending speed of the water temperature separation layer, there is an advantage in strongly suppressing the temperature rise of the tank outlet pipe (320).

[0074] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a distributor according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Fig. 5, and Fig. 6 is a drawing for explaining the first to third spray heights. Fig. 7 is a flow chart for explaining the fluid flow within the distributor and the flow of the sprayed fluid.

[0075] A distributor (350B) according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a third sub-nozzle (23) and a fourth sub-nozzle (24) in the first nozzle section (20). For other descriptions, the above description is cited.

[0076] For example, the first nozzle unit (20) may include a third sub-nozzle (23) or a fourth sub-nozzle (24) that is equally spaced apart from the first sub-nozzle (21) and the second sub-nozzle (22) in a third direction (DR3) and extends in a second direction (DR2) so that fluid is sprayed at a first spray height (h1) or a second spray height (h2). In addition, the third sub-nozzle (23) or the fourth sub-nozzle (24) may be symmetrical with respect to an arbitrary line (line2) that is parallel to the first direction (DR1) connecting the first sub-nozzle (21) and the second sub-nozzle (22). For example, if there is a fourth sub-nozzle (24) located in the third direction (DR3) away from the second sub-nozzle (22), and the distance from the second sub-nozzle (22) is d1, another fourth sub-nozzle (24) can be positioned at a distance d2, which is the same distance as d1 in the reverse direction in the third direction (DR3). In addition, the spray height may be different from that of the sub-nozzle that is closest in the third direction (DR3) among the first sub-nozzle (21), the second sub-nozzle (22), the third sub-nozzle (23), or the fourth sub-nozzle (24). For example, if the third sub-nozzle (23) is closest to the first sub-nozzle (21) in the third direction (DR3), the third sub-nozzle (23) may have the second spray height (h2). If there is a third sub-nozzle (23) having a second injection height (h2) and another third sub-nozzle (23) closest in the third direction (DR3), it can have a first injection height (h1).

[0077] Through this arrangement, a secondary vortex (V2) is formed in a shape similar to the primary vortex (V1) formed by the first sub-nozzle (21) and the second sub-nozzle (22). However, since the rotational direction is opposite to that of the primary vortex (V1), the primary vortex (V1) is canceled out by the multiple secondary vortices (V2) existing next to it. And, among the secondary vortices (V2), only the portion that is not canceled out by the primary vortex (V1) remains to form a rotating flow.

[0078] In FIGS. 5 to 7, only two pairs of third sub-nozzles (23) and fourth sub-nozzles (24) positioned symmetrically around the first sub-nozzle (21) and the second sub-nozzle (22) are shown, but this number may vary. For example, four pairs, six pairs, etc. may be arranged as needed.

[0079] For example, the second injection height (h2) may be higher than the first injection height (h1), and the third injection height (h3) may be lower than the second injection height (h2) and higher than the first injection height (h1).

[0080] The injection height can be expressed parallel to the second direction (DR2) with a reference line (Lb) parallel to the first direction (DR1).

[0081] Referring to Fig. 6, a first spray height (h1), a second spray height (h2), and a third spray height (h3) are illustrated, and the third spray height (h3) can always be positioned between the first spray height (h1) and the second spray height (h2). Therefore, the fluid exerts a rotational force due to the fluid sprayed at the first spray height (h1) and the second spray height (h2) having different heights, and the third spray height (h3) formed between the first spray height (h1) and the second spray height (h2) can serve to break up this rotational flow and move it to the outside of the distributor. At this time, the height relationships of the first spray height (h1) and the second spray height (h2) in the first sub-nozzle (21) and the second sub-nozzle (22) may be opposite to each other.

[0082] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a sub-nozzle included in a first nozzle section according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] For example, at least one of the first sub-nozzle (21), the second sub-nozzle (22), the third sub-nozzle (23), or the fourth sub-nozzle (24) may include a vertical tube (231) having a length extending in the second direction (DR2) longer than the spray height, and a spray tube (232) connected to the vertical tube (231) at the spray height.

[0084] Referring to Fig. 8, a cross-sectional view of the third sub-nozzle (23) is shown, but this cross-section may represent all of the first sub-nozzle (21), the second sub-nozzle (22), the third sub-nozzle (23), or the fourth sub-nozzle (24), and only the extended length or spray height of the vertical pipe (231) may be different.

[0085] For example, at least one of the first sub-nozzle (21), the second sub-nozzle (22), the third sub-nozzle (23), or the fourth sub-nozzle (24) connected in the second direction (DR2) in the first pipe (11) or the third pipe (13) is formed such that the vertical pipe (231) is longer than the spray height for the purpose of increasing the nozzle spray pressure, and through this, the fluid can be sprayed at the spray height through the nozzle hole (H) having a space (S1) at the top and a reduction and re-expansion of the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow passage due to the spray pipe (232) located below the space (S1) and connected to the vertical pipe (231).

[0086] Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a spray nozzle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] For example, the injection nozzle (31) includes a first space (S2) into which a fluid is introduced and stored, and a first lip (311) and a second lip (312) surrounding the first space (S2), and the second lip (312) may be positioned further from the inlet (E) or the inlet pipe (310) in the second direction (DR2) than the first lip (311).

[0088] In addition, the first lip (311) includes a first plane (311a) and a first inclined portion (311b) connecting the first plane (311a), and a parallel portion (311c) may be further formed according to a slit shape. In addition, a step (311d) may be further formed to make the first space (S1) larger.

[0089] Additionally, the second lip (312) includes a second inclined portion (312a) and a second plane (312b) connected to the second inclined portion (312a), and a vertical wall (315) connecting the first lip (311) and the second lip (312) can be formed.

[0090] And at this time, the fluid can be injected through the slit (313) formed through the vertical wall (315) in the second direction (DR2) by passing through the first inclined portion (311b) and the second plane (312b).

[0091] Due to this shape, even in the second nozzle section (30) where a smaller flow rate flows than in the first nozzle section (20), the flow rate of the fracture flow (F) decreases, so that the straightness and homogeneity of the discharge flow from the ejection nozzle (31) are reduced. In order to compensate for this, a first space (S2) is provided to increase the nozzle injection pressure, and in order to create a straight flow of the discharge flow past the first space (S2), the horizontal length of the second lip (312) is provided just before the discharge. 2) The horizontal length of the first lip (311) 1) can be formed longer. Here, the horizontal portion is the length of the horizontal portion that continues until the discharge, the horizontal portion of the first lip (311) is the length in the third direction (DR3) of the parallel portion (311c) according to the slit shape, and the horizontal portion of the second lip (312) is the length in the third direction (DR3) of the second plane (312b).

[0092] However, it is not limited to this design, and design modifications are possible as long as it can perform the role.

[0093] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating the shape of a second nozzle unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a slit and (b) illustrates an embodiment in which a portion that is discharged through a plurality of holes is formed.

[0094] In addition to the slit formed through the vertical wall (315) in the injection nozzle (31) of the second nozzle unit (30), the fluid can be injected through the through hole (314). The slit (313) and the through hole (314) can perform the same function with only different shapes, and as long as the pressure at which the fluid is injected is not a problem, the fluid can be injected through various other injection ports of different shapes.

[0095] Figure 11 illustrates a distributor according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] The description of the distributor according to one embodiment of the present invention may refer to the above descriptions unless otherwise specified.

[0097] For example, the main pipe (10) may include a central pipe (15) that connects the first pipe (11) and the second pipe (12) and is arranged in a line with the inlet (E) or the connecting pipe (16) in the first direction (DR1).

[0098] The central pipe (15) may be further provided to compensate for the decrease in flow velocity due to the decrease in flow rate transmitted from the second sub-nozzle (22) and the fourth sub-nozzle (24) in the second pipe (12), since the flow rate branched from the main pipe (10) along the third pipe (13) and the fourth pipe (14) is greater than that from the first sub-nozzle (21) and the third sub-nozzle (23) close to the inlet pipe (310).

[0099] Equipped with such a distributor, when the distributor (350C) is installed in a tank, it is possible to provide an effect that can sufficiently satisfy the stratification requirement time by forming a flow that rotates outside the distributor (350C).

[0100] Below, a buffer tank equipped with the above-described distributor will be described. The description of the distributor will be based on the above content.

[0101] Figure 12 schematically illustrates a buffer tank according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] A buffer tank 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).

[0103] Here, the distributor (350) may include all of the distributors (350A, 350B, 350C) according to the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment described above. Fig. 12 representatively illustrates a distributor according to the second embodiment (350B).

[0104] 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.

[0105] Fluid can be introduced into the interior of the storage container (340) through the inlet pipe (310).

[0106] 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 (E) 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).

[0107] For example, the fluid discharged from the distributor (350) may be arranged to face the inner wall (341) of the storage container (340). Accordingly, the main pipe (10) of the distributor extending in the first direction (DR1) and the inner wall of the storage container (340) may be installed in parallel. In order to maximize the movement path of the fluid passing through the buffer tank, a flow rotating along the inner wall (341) of the storage container (340) may be formed to move to the outside of the distributor (350).

[0108] For example, at least one fluid shielding plate (not shown) may be provided inside the storage container (340).

[0109] A single flow shield plate may be provided, but in the case of multiple flow shield plates, the flow shield plates may be staggered so that movement along the flow shield plates from the top to the bottom of the buffer tank can occur. This also provides the effect of lengthening the path of the inflowing fluid.

[0110] In addition, the introduced fluid primarily flows due to the flow barrier plate, thereby reducing the size of the stagnant flow area 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] In this case, the fluid is introduced into the nozzle hole (H) and the outlet of the first nozzle part (20) or the second nozzle part (30) of the distributor (360), and the outlet pipe (320) may be connected to an end close to the inlet (E) 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 first nozzle part (20) and the second nozzle part (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.

[0113] This arrangement allows the fluid's path to be lengthened.

[0114] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram (a) of a buffer tank without a conventional flow shield plate and a drawing (b) showing the fluid flow and pressure distribution inside the tank over time, and Figure 14 is a schematic diagram (a) of a buffer tank with a conventional flow shield plate and a drawing (b) showing the fluid flow and pressure distribution inside the tank over time.

[0115] All conditions are the same except for the structural differences in the location of the inlet and outlet pipes inside the buffer tank and the presence or absence of a flow shield plate (330) or a 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 (310) is 3.61 m / s, the streamlines, which are the fluid flow inside the tank, and the temperature and pressure distributions are plotted over time.

[0116] In the case of the buffer tank of Fig. 13, if the fluid blocking plate (330) is not provided inside the storage container (340), the introduced hot water vertically descends along the upper and lower inner walls of the storage container (340) near the upper inlet pipe (310), then moves to the inner wall of the bottom storage container (340), and exits through the lower outlet pipe (320). At this time, a vortex is formed throughout the tank, and the pattern of the vortex changes over time. As a result, it can be seen that the water temperature separation layer is destroyed in a very short period of time, as can be seen in the table after 1 minute.

[0117] In the case of the buffer tank of Fig. 14, a vertical flow shielding plate (330) is provided inside the storage container (340), and it has an upper inlet pipe (310) and an upper outlet pipe (320) that make the flow path the longest. The fluid moving along the inner wall formed upper and lower of the storage container (340) creates two vortex regions by the flow shielding plate (330), and due to the position of the outlet pipe (320) located at the upper part of the storage container (340), the water temperature separation layer is destroyed more slowly than in the case of Fig. 13, but as can be seen in the table after 4 minutes, the stratification requirement time is not satisfied.

[0118] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the flow of fluid inside a buffer tank equipped with a distributor according to the second embodiment, and is (a) a schematic diagram and (b) a drawing showing the fluid flow and pressure distribution inside the tank over time, and FIG. 16 illustrates streamlines and velocity vectors at a time point when 8 minutes have passed since the buffer tank equipped with a distributor according to the second embodiment, such as FIG. 15, was in an abnormal state.

[0119] The second embodiment of the present invention illustrates a buffer tank equipped with a distributor. Compared to the conventional case where the temperature separation layer disappears after 8 minutes, the distributor connected to the inlet pipe (310) creates a large circular flow layer in the upper part of the tank like a typhoon, and then the flow slows down and descends. Therefore, unlike the conventional case, the temperature separation layer gradually descends over time.

[0120] At this time, after 8 minutes, the velocity exiting the first nozzle section (20) and the second nozzle section (30) of the distributor is 2.17 m / s in the first sub-nozzle (21) positioned at the top near the inlet pipe (310), 1.42 m / s in the third sub-nozzle (23), 1.64 m / s in the opposed second sub-nozzle (22), and 1.46 m / s in the fourth sub-nozzle (24). In addition, the velocity exiting the injection nozzle (31) of the second nozzle section (30) is 0.54 m / s, which is somewhat slower than the above nozzles because the cross-sectional area is larger.

[0121] Figure 16 shows the streamlines and velocity vectors on the side of the tank to more clearly show the creation of the rotational flow after 8 minutes, and it can be seen that the rotational flow descends around the top of the tank.

[0122] Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating the flow of fluid inside a buffer tank equipped with a distributor according to the first embodiment, (a) a schematic diagram and (b) a diagram showing the temperature of the fluid inside the tank over time, and Fig. 18 illustrates streamlines and velocity vectors at a time point when 8 minutes have passed since the buffer tank equipped with a distributor according to the first embodiment, such as Fig. 17, was in an abnormal state.

[0123] Looking at Figures 17 and 18, it can be seen that, compared to the buffer tank equipped with the distributor of the second embodiment, the degree of formation of the rotational flow is worse, but the stratification is maintained even after 8 minutes, and the effect of maintaining the flow of the rotational flow descending by circling the upper part of the tank is maintained.

[0124] FIG. 19 is a graph comparing the performance of a conventional buffer tank and a buffer tank of embodiments of the present invention, wherein L1 represents the tank of FIG. 13, L2 represents a tank equipped with a conventional manifold-type distributor, L3 represents a buffer tank equipped with a distributor according to the first embodiment of the present invention, L4 represents a buffer tank equipped with a distributor according to the second embodiment of the present invention, L5 represents the tank of FIG. 14, L6 represents a tank of FIG. 14 with two flow shielding plates inside, L7 represents a tank equipped with three flow shielding plates, L8 represents a tank equipped with four flow shielding plates, L9 represents a buffer tank equipped with a distributor according to the third embodiment with a discharge port formed as a through hole in the second nozzle portion (30), and L10 represents a buffer tank equipped with a distributor according to the third embodiment with a discharge port formed in a slit shape in the second nozzle portion (30).

[0125] As can be seen in Figure 19, the stratification time requirement of 480 seconds is significantly shorter in cases where there are no flow shields or only one to three, compared to the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention sufficiently satisfies the requirement.

[0126] Specifically, the case with four fluid shielding plates and the case of the first embodiment of the present invention are similar and sufficiently satisfy the required function of adultization. Furthermore, it can be seen that the case with the distributor of the second and third embodiments is significantly superior to the existing case.

[0127] In this way, the buffer tank for a data center equipped with the distributor of the present invention has the advantage of strongly suppressing the temperature rise of the tank outlet pipe (320) by generating a plurality of intersecting vortices and a breaking flow (F) that moves the center of the vortex outside the distributor within the distributor location space in the tank, even if the flow rate of the fluid entering from the inlet pipe (310) is large or fluctuates during the stratification requirement time, thereby generating a large circumferential rotational flow in the upper part of the tank similar to the flow of a typhoon, and forcibly increasing the movement trajectory of the fluid without a flow shield plate (330) and then lowering the descending speed of the water temperature separation layer.

Claims

1. A main pipe formed in a ring shape and connected to an inlet pipe through which fluid is introduced; A first nozzle unit, which is connected to the main pipe, is arranged in a first direction, and includes a first sub-nozzle having a first spray height in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a second sub-nozzle having a second spray height different from the first spray height in the second direction; and A distributor for a buffer tank, comprising a second nozzle unit, which is connected to the main pipe, is arranged along a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and includes a spray nozzle having a third spray height in the second direction.

2. In paragraph 1, A distributor for a buffer tank, wherein the inlet pipe or the inlet port through which the fluid is introduced, the first sub-nozzle and the second sub-nozzle are arranged on any line parallel to the first direction.

3. In paragraph 1, The above main hall is, The first and second pipes arranged in the third direction; A third pipe and a fourth pipe are arranged in the first direction and are connected to the first pipe and the second pipe; The first sub-nozzle is connected to the first pipe, and the second sub-nozzle is connected to the second pipe. A distributor for a buffer tank in which one or more pairs of the injection nozzles are connected on an arbitrary line extending in the third direction to the third pipe and the fourth pipe.

4. In paragraph 3, A distributor for a buffer tank, wherein the second nozzle section includes a bypass pipe connecting the third pipe or the fourth pipe and the injection nozzle.

5. In paragraph 3, The above main hall is, Including a central pipe connecting the first pipe and the second pipe, A distributor for a buffer tank in which the central pipe and the inlet pipe are arranged on any arbitrary line parallel to the first direction.

6. In paragraph 1, The above first nozzle part, A third sub-nozzle or a fourth sub-nozzle spaced apart from the first sub-nozzle and the second sub-nozzle in the third direction and having the first spray height or the second spray height in the second direction, The third sub-nozzle or the fourth sub-nozzle, It is symmetrical with respect to an arbitrary line parallel to the first direction connecting the first sub-nozzle and the second sub-nozzle, A distributor for a buffer tank, wherein the spray height is different from that of the sub-nozzle closest to the third direction among the first sub-nozzle, the second sub-nozzle, the third sub-nozzle, or the fourth sub-nozzle.

7. In paragraph 1, The second injection height is higher than the first injection height, A distributor for a buffer tank wherein the third spray height is lower than the second spray height and higher than the first spray height.

8. In paragraph 1, The above injection nozzle, A first space into which the fluid is introduced and stored; comprising a first lip and a second lip surrounding the first space; The second lip is positioned further from the inlet pipe in the second direction than the first lip, The first lip includes a first plane and a first inclined portion connecting the first plane, The second lip includes a second inclined portion and a second plane connected to the second inclined portion, A vertical wall connecting the first lip and the second lip is formed, A distributor for a buffer tank in which the fluid is injected through a slit or hole formed through the vertical wall in the second direction through the first inclined portion and the second plane.

9. In paragraph 1, At least one of the first sub-nozzle and the second sub-nozzle, A distributor for a buffer tank comprising a vertical pipe longer than the spray height and a spray pipe connected to the vertical pipe at the spray height.

10. In a buffer tank installed in the air conditioning system of a data center, A storage vessel in which the 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 coupled to an inlet pipe connected to the storage container.

11. In paragraph 10, A buffer tank in which the distributor for the buffer tank is arranged so that the inner wall of the storage container and the main pipe of the distributor are parallel.

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