Direct liquid cooling system having a coolant distribution channel

Abstract

The invention relates to a direct liquid cooling system (DLC) for IT infrastructure having at least one component (2) requiring cooling, the direct liquid cooling system comprising a coolant distribution unit (CDU) and a coolant distribution channel (7) which is supplied with cooled liquid by the coolant distribution unit (CDU), characterized in that the coolant distribution channel (7) has a coolant inlet (7.5) which is arranged at a distance from opposite ends of the coolant distribution channel (7).

Description

[0001] R41581DE

[0002] Direct liquid cooling with a coolant distribution channel

[0003] The invention relates to direct liquid cooling (DLC) for an IT infrastructure with at least one component requiring cooling, wherein the direct liquid cooling system comprises a coolant distribution unit (CDU) and a coolant distribution channel supplied with cooled liquid by the coolant distribution unit (CDU). Such an arrangement is described in US 2007 / 0274043 Ai. Further arrangements are known from US 2023 / 0060854 Ai, US 2023 / 0060854 Ai, US 2022 / 0039291 Ai, and US 2023 / 0240053 Ai.

[0004] US 9,668,382 B2, US 11,310,939 B2, and US 11,395,443 B2 describe known coolant distribution units (CDUs) in which the components required for supplying and supplying the coolant distribution channel with cooled fluid are housed in a slide-in unit, including, but not limited to: at least one pump, preferably several redundant pumps, a heat exchanger, an expansion vessel, pressure, flow, and / or temperature sensors, a three-way valve with a bypass valve, an AC power supply, a control unit, a service valve, a filter, an automatic air vent, a pressure relief valve, or a flow control valve. For recooling, the coolant distribution unit may include a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger and connections for the supply and return lines of a coolant, e.g., water.The coolant can be supplied by a chiller, water chiller, or similar device. Instead of a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger, an air-to-liquid heat exchanger can be provided, which is supplied with air from the environment of the coolant distribution unit by a fan, preferably a filter fan, for recooling the coolant of the direct liquid cooling system.

[0005] The cooling capacity required by components, especially server components, can vary significantly from component to component and depending on the operating status of each component. It is therefore essential that all components can be supplied with the necessary cooling capacity when required. This, in turn, necessitates that sufficient coolant pressure is provided via the coolant distribution channel for all components.

[0006] The object of the invention is therefore to propose a direct liquid cooling system that provides the most efficient distribution of the cooling liquid possible.

[0007] This problem is solved by a direct liquid cooling (DLC) system with the features of claim i. The dependent claims each relate to advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0008] Accordingly, the direct liquid cooling (DLC) system is provided to have a coolant distribution unit (CDU) and a coolant distribution channel, also called a manifold, which is supplied with cooled liquid by the coolant distribution unit (CDU), wherein the coolant distribution channel has a coolant inlet that is spaced apart from opposite ends of the coolant distribution channel.

[0009] The coolant inlet can be located centrally between the opposite ends of the coolant distribution channel. The coolant inlet can be positioned at the same distance or at different distances from both opposite ends of the coolant distribution channel. The coolant inlet can be considered centrally located between the opposite ends of the coolant distribution channel insofar as it is positioned, for example, in a middle third, a middle quarter, or similar location with respect to the length of the coolant distribution channel between the opposite ends.

[0010] However, the coolant inlet is particularly preferably located at the same distance from both opposite ends of the coolant distribution channel. The DLC can thus include a coolant inlet of the coolant distribution channel, preferably arranged substantially centrally, i.e., at mid-length between its opposite ends, and designed to split the coolant flow into two substantially equal flows, an ascending and a descending flow, to ensure a uniform flow distribution. When the coolant inlet is arranged substantially centrally, i.e., at mid-length between its opposite ends, a reduction, preferably a halving, of the flow velocity can be achieved, thereby reducing the pressure drop within the coolant distribution channel without changing its dimensions.

[0011] A uniform distribution of the coolant flow contributes to optimized heat transfer, which stabilizes the operating temperature of the system components and extends their service life.

[0012] The described arrangement of the coolant inlet allows for easy connection of the coolant supply line, which fluidically connects the CDU to the coolant distribution channel, regardless of whether the coolant supply line is fed into the coolant distribution channel from above or below. In particular, it allows the length of the coolant supply line between the coolant distribution channel and the CDU to be kept the same for both applications.

[0013] The described arrangement of the coolant inlet makes it possible to minimize cavitation at higher flow velocities and thus reduce local overloads.

[0014] The coolant distribution channel can have a supply line with multiple outlets for cooled coolant and a return line with multiple inlets for heated coolant. The supply line can include the coolant inlet.

[0015] The return line can have a coolant outlet located at a distance from opposite ends of the coolant distribution channel or at exactly one of the opposite ends of the coolant distribution channel. The supply line and return line can be identical components. For example, the return line can have a coolant outlet identical to the coolant inlet of the supply line and located opposite the coolant outlet.

[0016] The coolant inlet and / or the coolant outlet can have a distance to the opposite ends of the coolant distribution channel that is at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, particularly preferably at least 30% of the total length of the coolant distribution channel between the opposite ends.

[0017] The coolant inlet and / or the coolant outlet can be located at a distance of 50% of the total length of the coolant distribution channel between the opposite ends of the coolant distribution channel.

[0018] The coolant distribution unit (CDU) can be located at the lower end of the coolant distribution channel. Alternatively, the coolant distribution unit (CDU) can be located at the upper end of the coolant distribution channel.

[0019] A coolant connection line, through which the coolant distribution unit (CDU) is fluidically connected to the coolant inlet of the coolant distribution duct, can be a flexible line. The coolant connection line can, for example, be designed as a flexible refrigerant line. The coolant connection line, for example, a flexible refrigerant line, can have a leak-proof quick-release coupling at its opposite ends for connection to the coolant distribution duct or the coolant distribution unit (CDU).

[0020] The flexible line can be connected to the coolant distribution channel via a first 90° pipe bend extending in a first plane and via a second 90° bend. 0- A pipe bend extending in a second plane, preferably perpendicular to the first plane, is connected to the coolant distribution unit (CDU). With the exception of the two 90° pipe bends, the flexible line can be designed as a continuous flexible refrigerant line along its entire length.

[0021] In embodiments of direct liquid cooling, it may be provided that the coolant distribution channel has at least one sensor with which at least one physical measurement quantity relating to the liquid in the coolant distribution channel is determined.

[0022] Coolant distribution units (CDUs) are often supplied as a single assembly, for example, as a slide-in unit for installation in a 19-inch rack frame of an IT rack, which integrates a multitude of failure-prone components. If one of these components fails, particularly a pressure, flow, and / or temperature sensor, the entire coolant distribution unit must be replaced. This frequently results in an interruption of the cooling provided by the CDU. This, in turn, can lead to the failure of IT infrastructure, such as servers.

[0023] In particular, the sensor may replace or be a sensor that would otherwise have to be provided in the CDU, especially in or on a CDU housing. The sensor may, for example, be a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, and / or a sensor for determining the electrical conductivity of the fluid. However, the sensor is not limited to these embodiments. In particular, the sensor may be any possible sensor of a CDU that is configured to determine a physical quantity with respect to the coolant, for example, with respect to a supply and / or return line of an inner circuit of the CDU that forms a fluid circuit with the coolant distribution channel.

[0024] The IT rack can have a frame structure similar to a control cabinet, consisting of four vertical and eight horizontal struts. Several IT racks can form a row of control cabinets. The DLC (Distributed Cooling Liquid) can be designed as a single-cabinet solution or as a solution for supplying a row of control cabinets with cooled liquid. The DLC can be located in the same IT rack as the components requiring cooling, such as server bays. Alternatively, the DLC can be configured to occupy an entire IT rack with its components, such as pump units, heat exchangers, control units, etc., provided these are not part of a CDU (Cooled Control Unit), or at least one CDU, etc., thus functioning as a cooling rack. The cooling unit can be installed in a row of control cabinets or IT racks and supply cooled liquid to components requiring cooling, such as server bays, installed in adjacent IT racks.Each of the IT racks supplied with coolant can have a coolant distribution channel that is supplied with coolant from a cooling rack CDU. In a data center, the rack array can separate a hot aisle from a cold aisle.

[0025] The coolant distribution channel can be arranged vertically within an IT rack, for example, along the rear of the rack. It can also be mounted on a vertical support beam of the rack, particularly a rear vertical support beam. The IT infrastructure within the rack can be provided as plug-in devices, such as server bays mounted in a 19-inch rack frame. The coolant distribution channel can also be configured as a plug-in device.

[0026] The coolant distribution channel can be arranged on the front, rear, or vertical side wall of an IT rack, and is particularly accessible from one of these sides. This necessitates that the sensor provided with the coolant distribution channel be easily accessible, for example, to facilitate easy replacement in case of failure. The sensor can be mounted on the coolant distribution channel, for example, using a quick-release coupling, preferably a drip-free quick-release coupling, and, when installed, its sensor is in sensing contact with the coolant distribution channel, and in particular with a fluid conveyed within the coolant distribution channel, such as in a supply or return line.The at least one sensor can be integrated into the coolant distribution channel, but is preferably accessible from an outside surface of the coolant distribution channel and thus easily replaceable. In particular, the at least one sensor can be mounted directly on or through an outside surface of the coolant distribution channel, for example in a supply line or a return line.

[0027] The at least one sensor can also be arranged in a connecting line of the coolant distribution channel, preferably immediately before the connecting line enters the coolant distribution channel. The connecting line can be configured to fluidically connect the coolant distribution channel to the CDU (coolant distribution system). A separate connecting line can be provided for a supply line and a return line of the coolant distribution channel. At least one connecting fitting can be provided, through which the connecting line is connected to the coolant distribution channel, in particular to a supply line or a return line of the coolant distribution channel, and the at least one sensor can be integrated into the fitting.

[0028] Preferably, a separate connection fitting is provided for connecting a first connection line to a supply line of the coolant distribution channel, and a second connection fitting is provided for connecting a second connection line to a return line of the coolant distribution channel. The fitting can be integrated into or connected to the connection line via quick-release couplings. Alternatively, the fitting can be connected to the coolant distribution channel, in particular to a supply line and / or a return line, and to the connection line via quick-release couplings. The fitting can also be connected to the coolant distribution channel without a quick-release coupling, for example, via a screw connection or a bonded connection. In this case, it is preferred that the at least one sensor is connected to the fitting via a quick-release coupling.

[0029] The coolant distribution channel can be designed in multiple sections, in particular comprising a supply line and a return line, which are designed as separate lines or channels. The two separate lines or channels can be arranged on, and in particular attached to, opposing vertical struts of an IT rack, for example, on the rear of an IT rack. The lines or channels can be attached to a system hole in a vertical strut, for example, by screwing them in place. At least one of the supply line and one of the return lines can have at least one sensor. Preferably, both lines each have a sensor, for example, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, and / or a sensor for determining the electrical conductivity of the coolant.The control of the CDU can depend on the difference between the measured values ​​determined by the two sensors. Preferably, both the supply line and the return line have identical sensors, thus enabling differential measurement with respect to a measured variable. For example, the pumping capacity of a CDU pump unit, the cooling capacity of a CDU heat exchanger, the opening cross-section of a CDU valve, or another variable operating parameter of the CDU can depend on the determined difference in measured values.

[0030] It can be provided that, with the exception of the at least one sensor integrated into the coolant distribution channel, all other functional components are incorporated into a single unit. This allows the use of coolant distribution units (CDUs) that, apart from the at least one sensor, include all other necessary components of a CDU. Independent of the sensors provided with the coolant distribution channel, at least one further functional component of a CDU can also be provided as a component independent of the rest of the CDU, in particular its housing. This could be, for example, but is not limited to, a heat exchanger, a coolant reservoir, a control unit, a power supply, or at least one pump unit. Thus, it is possible, for instance, to provide at least one pump unit, preferably several pump units, independently of the CDU.Multiple pump units can have redundancy, so that if one of the pump units fails, the DLC can continue to operate, possibly with reduced pumping capacity. Replacing a defective pump unit does not require interrupting the operation of the DLC and therefore the IT infrastructure, such as servers.

[0031] Optionally, the IT rack may be provided with a power distribution system. If the coolant distribution channel is located at the rear of the IT rack, it may be arranged in the same mounting plane as the IT rack's power distribution system, specifically as a busbar to provide DC voltage for the IT rack's internal components, such as rack-mounted devices like servers and / or direct liquid cooling units like a CDU. Alternatively, instead of being in the same mounting plane, the coolant distribution channel and the busbar may be arranged in closely adjacent, particularly parallel, planes at the rear of the IT rack. The busbar may extend parallel to the coolant distribution channel. In particular, the busbar and the coolant distribution channel may extend vertically.If the coolant distribution channel has a supply line and a return line designed as separate lines, the busbar can be arranged between the two lines of the coolant distribution channel, particularly in the same mounting plane. The two lines can be arranged on opposite vertical struts of the IT rack, particularly on rear vertical struts of the IT rack, while the busbar is positioned centrally between them. A connecting line of the coolant distribution channel can be arranged in the same mounting plane as the coolant distribution channel, or a supply line and a return line of the coolant distribution channel can be arranged, optionally also in the same mounting plane as a busbar for a power supply to the IT rack, particularly a DC power supply.The coolant distribution channel can have a supply line with a plurality of outlets for cooled coolant and a return line with a plurality of inlets for heated coolant. At least one of the supply line and one of the return lines can have at least one sensor. Preferably, both the supply line and the return line each have a sensor. Particularly preferably, the two sensors are configured for differential measurement of a measured value. For this purpose, the sensors can preferably be identical, at least with respect to the specific measured quantity. A determined difference in the measured values ​​can be taken into account for the control of the DLC, in particular the cooling capacity provided by the CDU. For example, a pump output and / or a coolant flow rate through the coolant distribution channel can be adjusted depending on the measured differential value.

[0032] If the at least one sensor is located in or on a supply line of the coolant distribution channel, a sensor of the at least one sensor can be configured to measure a quantity related to cooled coolant in the supply line. If the at least one sensor is located in or on a return line of the coolant distribution channel, the sensor can be configured to measure a quantity related to heated coolant in the return line.

[0033] The supply line may have a first temperature sensor configured to determine the temperature of the coolant flowing in the supply line. The return line may have a second temperature sensor configured to determine the temperature of the coolant flowing in the return line.

[0034] The at least one sensor can be arranged at a coolant inlet of the supply line of the coolant distribution channel or at a coolant outlet of the return line of the coolant distribution channel. Preferably, a first sensor is provided at the coolant inlet of the supply line and a second sensor at the coolant outlet of the return line, preferably for the previously described control of the DLC, in particular a CDU, depending on a determined measurement difference.

[0035] The at least one sensor can be located at a coolant inlet of the supply line of the coolant distribution channel or at a coolant outlet of the return line of the coolant distribution channel. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one sensor can be located on or attached to the outside of the coolant distribution channel or be accessible from the outside of the coolant distribution channel.

[0036] The coolant distribution channel preferably has a supply line with a plurality of outlets for cooled coolant and a return line with a plurality of inlets for heated coolant. Preferably, at least one of the supply line and return line has a fitting through which the respective line is fluidically connected to the coolant distribution unit. The fitting can include the at least one sensor. The at least one sensor can be detachably connected to the fitting, for example, via a quick-release coupling. However, the sensor can also be permanently connected to the fitting. In this latter embodiment, the fitting should be detachably connected to the supply line and / or return line, preferably via a quick-release coupling, to allow for quick replacement of the fitting in the event of maintenance, for example, if the at least one sensor fails.The fitting can be located directly at the inlet of the supply line and / or at the outlet of the return line. The fitting can be fluidically connected directly to the inlet and / or outlet via a quick-release coupling. The at least one sensor can be fluidically connected to the fitting via a quick-release coupling.

[0037] Preferably, at least one sensor, and more preferably at least one pressure sensor, is installed on the coolant distribution channel using a quick-release coupling. More preferably, at least one sensor, preferably a pressure sensor, is installed on both a supply line and a return line of the coolant distribution channel, each using a quick-release coupling.

[0038] The coolant distribution channel can include a cable guide, preferably a cable duct, through which a sensor cable of the at least one sensor is routed along the coolant distribution channel, preferably on an outer side of the coolant distribution channel. This allows for the easy replacement of both the sensor and the sensor cable during maintenance, thus enabling the replacement of a signal line that could potentially be the cause of a malfunction in the direct liquid cooling system. The direct liquid cooling system described above proposes a maintenance-friendly and highly reliable system for supplying coolant, approximately 24 / 7 / 365, to IT components requiring cooling, such as plate heat exchangers for cooling CPUs, GPUs, and the like, or embedded components of an IT infrastructure, such as server installations.

[0039] The distribution of coolant to the IT infrastructure equipment is handled by the CDU (Cooling Distribution Unit). The CDU separates the coolant supplied by a recooler, such as a chiller or free cooling system (e.g., facility water – primary circuit), from the coolant flowing through the IT infrastructure equipment (secondary circuit), creating two separate circuits. The CDU is typically configured to deliver the coolant in the secondary circuit to the components requiring cooling, such as the IT infrastructure equipment, at a set temperature and pressure. CDUs used in data centers are often difficult to repair and inflexible when it comes to increasing their performance.Instead of integrating at least one sensor, such as a temperature, pressure, flow or other sensor, into the CDU, in particular a housing of the CDU, it is proposed to provide the at least one sensor in connection with the coolant distribution channel or to provide it on it, preferably easily accessible from the outside of the coolant distribution channel, or to provide it in connection with a connection system for the coolant distribution channel, for example a fitting, whereby the sensor is easily accessible and thus easy to replace in the event of maintenance.

[0040] In one embodiment, at least one temperature sensor and / or at least one pressure sensor can each be provided in a fitting or on a fitting in the direction of coolant flow upstream of a coolant inlet or downstream of a coolant outlet of the coolant distribution channel.

[0041] The at least one sensor, in particular at least one pressure sensor, can be installed on the coolant distribution channel or in a fitting by means of a (leak-proof) quick-release coupling or a so-called non-spill quick-release coupling. In one embodiment, this allows for simple and quick replacement of the sensors, possibly without interrupting the direct liquid cooling. US 2023 / 180443 Ai describes a liquid-cooled busbar for installation in an IT cabinet. Assemblies inserted into the IT cabinet, for example, servers, can be electrically connected to the busbar via hot-swappable electrical connections. The busbar has a channel extending along its longitudinal direction for the passage of coolant.The busbar is preferably designed as a two-pole busbar, with a first and a second sub-busbar which may be connected to each other via an electrical insulator. Preferably, each of the two sub-busbars has a channel extending along its longitudinal direction for the passage of coolant. The channel may have a supply line for the introduction of cooled liquid at one of its two opposite ends and a return line for the discharge of cooled liquid at the opposite end.

[0042] The supply line of at least one of the two channels can be connected to a supply line of the coolant distribution channel via a liquid-carrying line. The return line of at least one of the two channels can each be connected to a return line of the coolant distribution channel via a liquid-carrying line. This ensures that cooled fluid can be supplied via the coolant distribution channel for cooling a liquid-cooled busbar. The cooled fluid can be supplied, in particular, by a CDU or RPU, which feeds the coolant distribution channel with cooled fluid, especially the supply line of the coolant distribution channel, and into which the heated fluid from the coolant distribution channel, especially from the return line of the coolant distribution channel, is returned for cooling.

[0043] Further details of the invention are explained with reference to the figures. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown in the figures, which may have features beyond those essential to the invention. The figures show:

[0044] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of direct liquid cooling;

[0045] Figure 2 shows a coolant distribution unit (CDU) with reduced functionality; Figure 3 shows an IT rack with integrated direct liquid cooling (DLC);

[0046] Figure 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a coolant distribution channel; and

[0047] Figure 5 shows another embodiment of a coolant distribution channel.

[0048] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of direct liquid cooling (DLC). Cooled liquid is supplied by a recooler 16, which can be configured, for example, as a chiller, with or without a refrigeration unit. The recooler 16 includes, for example, an air-liquid heat exchanger and at least one fan that circulates ambient air through the air-liquid heat exchanger. The cooled liquid supplied by the recooler is fed to a coolant distribution unit (CDU), in particular via the supply line of an outer circuit of the CDU. The liquid supplied by the recooler leaves the CDU as a heated liquid via a return line of the outer circuit. The outer circuit of the CDU, which also forms the liquid circuit of the recooler 16, is designated by reference numeral 17.

[0049] The coolant distribution unit (CDU) includes, in particular, a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger and at least one pump for transporting liquid through the inner circuit 15 of the CDU. The supply line of the inner circuit of the CDU is connected to a return line of a coolant distribution channel 7, and the return line of the inner circuit 15 of the CDU is connected to a supply line of the coolant distribution channel 7. The CDU does not necessarily have to include a refrigeration unit. The coolant distribution channel 7 can have several connections spaced apart along its length, i.e., vertically, to a supply line of the coolant distribution channel 7, through which cooled coolant is supplied, and to a return line of the coolant distribution channel 7, through which heated coolant is discharged.The plug-in units 2 can, for example, be server modules of an IT infrastructure, which are connected to the coolant distribution channel 7 in the manner known from US 2007 / 0274043 Ai. In the plug-in units, the coolant, which is preferably an electrically non-conductive refrigerant, flows over the components requiring cooling, for example CPUs or GPUs, or any other component which has a high power dissipation and, moreover, a high temperature sensitivity, so that air cooling is unsuitable due to the lower thermal conductivity of air compared to liquid.

[0050] Figure 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a CDU, which has reduced functionality compared to CDUs known from the prior art. For example, the CDU does not have a sensor, which in some embodiments might be assigned to the coolant distribution channel of the DLC. As a result, the CDU is less susceptible to malfunctions and the DLC as a whole is easier to maintain.

[0051] The plug-in device 2.1 has a housing 13, which can be standardized, for example, with regard to its dimensions, at least insofar as the plug-in device 2.1 can be automatically, i.e., without tools, connected to both the first and second blind coupling connectors 6.1, 6.2 for electrical connection to a power distribution system and the fluidic connection to direct liquid cooling, in particular a coolant distribution channel, when inserted into a slot of an IT rack. The blind coupling connectors for the electrical and / or fluidic connection of the device are optional. Three redundant pumps 14 are arranged in the housing 13, which are connected in parallel. A heat exchanger 12, in particular a liquid-liquid heat exchanger, is also arranged in the housing 13.The embodiment according to Figure 2 does not include any sensors in the housing 13 for detecting a physical measurement variable related to the coolant. The unit shown in Figure 2 therefore exhibits high resilience to failure. Due to the use of the first and second blind coupling connectors 6.1, 6.2, the entire unit, i.e., the plug-in unit 2.1, can be replaced quickly and without significant downtime in the event of failure of all pumps or reduced pump performance. Further redundancy of the direct liquid cooling (DLC) system can be achieved by providing several of the plug-in units 2.1 shown in Figure 2, which are connected in parallel with one another. This ensures that even if all three pumps 14 fail, the continued operation of the DLC system is guaranteed, and downtime can be essentially avoided.

[0052] Figure 3 shows an exemplary IT rack 1 in a perspective front view. The IT rack 1 has a frame consisting of four vertical struts and eight horizontal struts, each forming a rectangular profile frame. A coolant distribution channel 7 is arranged on the opposite vertical struts of a rear profile frame, specifically a supply line 7.1 on one of the first of the opposite vertical struts and a return line 7.2 on a second of the opposite vertical struts. Due to the spatial separation, there is no thermal short circuit between the supply and return lines, thereby increasing the efficiency of the coolant distribution channel 7.

[0053] The embodiment shown in Figure 3 further shows a DC power supply 5 with a busbar extending along the rear of the IT rack 1, i.e., at the rear where the coolant distribution channel 7 is also located. In particular, the power supply 5, and especially the busbar, is arranged between the supply line 7.1 and the return line 7.2, specifically centrally between these lines. While the supply line 7.1 and the return line 7.2 are each attached to a vertical profile, the busbar can be fixed at its opposite ends, and electrically insulated, to a roof-side and a floor-side frame, specifically to the respective horizontal struts.

[0054] The supply line 7.1 (and analogously the return line 7.2, though not shown) has a multitude of outlets 7.3 (and the return line analogously a multitude of inlets 7.4 – see Figures 4 and 5). Both the components requiring cooling 2, in this case server bays, and the CDU are designed as plug-in devices. An uninterruptible power supply unit (BBU), which supplies the bus bar 5 with a DC voltage, is also designed as a plug-in device. In addition to the plug-in devices 2, CDU, and BBU shown in Figure 3, further plug-in devices can be installed across the entire height of the IT rack 1. Cooled fluid can be supplied via the outlets 7.4 or the inlets of the return line 7.2 (not shown) across the entire height.

[0055] Exemplary embodiments of a coolant distribution channel 7 are shown in Figures 4 and 5. The coolant distribution channel 7 is designed in two parts and has a supply line 7.1 and a return line 7.2. The supply line 7.1 has coolant outlets 7.3 distributed at regular or irregular intervals along its entire length, and the return line 7.2 has coolant inlets 7.4 in a similar manner. The supply line 7.1 and the return line 7.2 can, for example, be attached to a vertical strut of a frame in the manner shown with reference to Figure 3.

[0056] The supply line and the return line 7.1, 7.2 each have a connecting line 7.7 via which they can be fluidically connected to a CDU (compare Figure 3). In particular, the supply line can be connected to the return of the inner circuit of the CDU. The connecting line 7.7 of the return line 7.2 can be connected to a supply line of the inner circuit of the CDU.

[0057] The connecting lines 7.7 are designed as flexible lines. While, according to the invention, the connecting lines 7.7 in the embodiment shown in Figure 4 are spaced apart from the opposite ends of the coolant distribution channel 7, in particular the supply line and the return line 7.1, 7.2, in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the distance between the coolant outlet 7.5 and the opposite ends is uneven. In contrast, in the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the coolant outlet 7.5 of the supply line and return line 7.1, 7.2 is located centrally with respect to the length of the lines 7.1, 7.2, so that the coolant outlet 7.5 has the same distance from both opposite ends. The embodiment shown in Figure 5 has the particular advantage over the embodiment shown in Figure 4 that the pressure loss along the line is further reduced.Furthermore, in the embodiment according to Figure 5, with a constant length of the flexible connecting lines 7.7, the CDU can optionally be arranged in the upper area of ​​the distribution channel 7 or above it, or in a lower area of ​​the distribution channel 7 or below it.

[0058] Optionally, the embodiments according to Figures 4 and 5 have sensors integrated into the distribution channel 7. However, the distribution channels shown in Figures 4 and 5 can also be configured without the sensors shown.

[0059] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, a sensor 300 is arranged in the area of ​​a coolant outlet 7.5 of the connecting line 7.7 into the supply line 7.1. Another sensor 300 is arranged at a coolant outlet 7.6, from which a further connecting line 7.7 opens into the return line 7.2. The sensors can be, for example, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, flow sensors, or sensors for determining the electrical conductivity of a coolant flowing in the supply line 7.1 or the return line 7.2. However, the sensors 300 are not limited to the described embodiments and can be any sensor 300 suitable for determining a physical measurement quantity with respect to a coolant suitable for controlling a CDU (coolant circulation pump).

[0060] In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the sensors 300 are arranged in a fitting 400 instead of on or in the supply line 7.1 or the return line 7.2. The respective connecting line 7.7 from the supply line 7.1 and return line 7.2 is connected to the respective supply line 7.1 or return line 7.3 via the fitting 400. The sensor 300 can be permanently connected to the fitting 400 or be replaceable, for example, via a quick-release coupling. Similarly, in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the respective sensor 300 can also be connected to the supply line 7.1 or the return line 7.2 via a quick-release coupling, for example, through an outer wall of the respective line 7.1, 7.2 and preferably in fluidic contact with the coolant flowing in the respective line 7.1, 7.2.

[0061] The features given in the aforementioned description can be relevant in any combination for the realization of embodiments of the invention, the scope of protection being determined solely by the claims.

[0062] Reference symbol list:

[0063] 1 IT rack

[0064] 2. Insert unit / component requiring cooling

[0065] 5 busbar

[0066] 6.1 First blind coupling connector

[0067] 6.2 Second blind coupling connector

[0068] 7 Coolant distribution channel

[0069] 7.1 Lead line

[0070] 7.2 Return line

[0071] 7.3 Outlet

[0072] 7.4 Admission

[0073] 7.5 Coolant inlet

[0074] 7.6 Coolant outlet

[0075] 7.7 Connection cable

[0076] 7.7 Connection cable

[0077] 9 Control unit

[0078] 12 heat exchangers

[0079] 13 cases

[0080] 14 Pump

[0081] 15 inner circle

[0082] 16 cooling units

[0083] 17 Outer circle

[0084] 300 Sensor

[0085] 400 fitting

[0086] BBU Uninterruptible Power Supply

[0087] CDU coolant distribution unit

[0088] DLC direct liquid cooling z altitude direction

Claims

Claims:

1. Direct liquid cooling (DLC) for an IT infrastructure with at least one component requiring cooling (2), wherein the direct liquid cooling comprises a coolant distribution unit (CDU) and a coolant distribution channel (7) supplied with cooled liquid by the coolant distribution unit (CDU), characterized in that the coolant distribution channel (7) has a coolant inlet (7.5) which is spaced apart from opposite ends of the coolant distribution channel (7).

2. Direct liquid cooling (DLC) according to claim 1, wherein the coolant distribution channel (7) has a supply line (7.1) with a plurality of outlets (7.3) for cooled coolant and a return line (7.2) with a plurality of inlets (7.4) for heated coolant, the supply line (7.1) having the coolant inlet (7.4).

3. Direct liquid cooling (DLC) according to claim 2, wherein the return line (7.2) has a coolant outlet (7.6) spaced apart from the opposite ends of the coolant distribution channel (7) or located at exactly one of the opposite ends of the coolant distribution channel (7).

4. Direct liquid cooling (DLC) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coolant inlet (7.5) and / or the coolant outlet (7.6) has a distance to the opposite ends of the coolant distribution channel (7) which is at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, particularly preferably at least 30% of the total length of the coolant distribution channel (7) between the opposite ends.

5. Direct liquid cooling (DLC) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coolant inlet (7.5) and / or the coolant outlet (7.6) has a distance to the opposite ends of the coolant distribution channel (7) of 50% of the total length of the coolant distribution channel (7) between the opposite ends.

6. Direct liquid cooling (DLC) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the coolant distribution unit (CDU) is arranged at a lower end of the coolant distribution channel (7).

7. Direct liquid cooling (DLC) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a coolant connection line (7.7) through which the coolant distribution unit (CDU) is fluidically connected to the coolant inlet (7.5) of the coolant distribution channel (7) is a flexible line.

8. Direct liquid cooling (DLC) according to claim 7, wherein the flexible line is connected to the coolant distribution channel (7) via a first 90° pipe bend extending in a first plane and to the coolant distribution unit (CDU) via a second 90° pipe bend extending in a second plane, preferably perpendicular to the first plane.

9. Direct liquid cooling (DLC) according to claim 8, wherein the flexible line, with the exception of the two 90° pipe bends, is designed as a flexible refrigerant line throughout its entire length.

10. Direct liquid cooling (DLC) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coolant distribution channel (7) has at least one sensor (300) configured to determine at least one physical measurement variable with respect to the liquid in the coolant distribution channel (7), wherein the sensor (300) is preferably a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor and / or a sensor for determining the electrical conductivity of the liquid.

11. Direct liquid cooling (DLC) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coolant distribution channel (7) has a supply line (7.1) with a plurality of outlets (7.3) for cooled coolant and a return line (7.2) with a plurality of inlets (7.4) for heated coolant, of which at least one of the supply line (7.1) and return line (7.2) has at least one sensor (300).

12. Direct liquid cooling (DLC) following one of the preceding Claims in which the coolant distribution channel (7) is configured to be in to be attached to an IT rack (1), wherein the coolant distribution channel (7) extends with its longitudinal direction in the vertical direction. 13- Direct liquid cooling (DLC) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a supply line (7.1) of the coolant distribution channel (7) has a first temperature sensor configured to determine the temperature of the coolant carried in the supply line (7.1), and wherein a return line (7.3) of the coolant distribution channel (7) has a second temperature sensor configured to determine the temperature of the coolant carried in the return line (7.3).

14. Direct liquid cooling (DLC) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coolant distribution channel (7) has a supply line (7.1) with a plurality of outlets for cooled coolant and a return line (7.3) with a plurality of inlets for heated coolant, of which preferably at least one of the supply line (7.1) and return line (7.3) has a fitting via which the respective line is fluidically connected to the coolant distribution unit (CDU), wherein the fitting preferably has at least one sensor (300).

15. Direct liquid cooling (DLC) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coolant distribution channel (7) has a cable guide, preferably a cable duct, with which a sensor cable of the at least one sensor (300) is guided along the coolant distribution channel (7), preferably on an outside of the coolant distribution channel (7).

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