Server cooling composition and server cooling system

Abstract

A server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: water (A); a sugar alcohol (B); and a chelating agent (C) that suppresses the formation of deposits.

Description

Server Cooling Composition and Server Cooling System

[0001] The present invention relates to a server cooling composition and a server cooling system.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a low-conductivity coolant for direct or indirect cooling of electronic devices, and it is disclosed that the coolant contains water and glycol.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-529956

[0004] With the spread of artificial intelligence (AI), the number of AI data centers has increased. In AI data centers, the number of servers that perform more advanced processing, such as an increase in processing by GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), is increasing. Therefore, the heat generation of servers has significantly increased, and the application of DLC (Direct Liquid Cooling) by liquid cooling as a cooling system is being considered and is expected to become the mainstream of future cooling systems.

[0005] On the other hand, conventionally, ethylene glycol, which has been used as an antifreeze component in cooling water for liquid cooling, is toxic and cannot be discarded into sewage. Also, when tap water is used as cooling water, there is a problem that deposits occur in the pipes through which the cooling water passes due to metal ions such as calcium and magnesium contained in the tap water, resulting in blockage of the pipes and a decrease in cooling performance.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide a technology that is low-toxic, has excellent biodegradability, is easy to discard, and suppresses the generation of deposits.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention has a configuration including water (A), sugar alcohol (B), and a chelating agent (C) that suppresses the generation of deposits.

[0008] Also, in order to solve the above problems, a server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention uses a server cooling composition containing water (A) and sugar alcohol (B), includes a deposit suppression mechanism that suppresses the generation of deposits, and the deposit suppression mechanism is a fine bubble generator.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology that is low in toxicity, has excellent biodegradability, is easy to dispose of, and suppresses the generation of sediment.

[0010] This figure schematically shows the configuration of a server cooling system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This figure shows the configuration of an ultraviolet sterilization device included in the server cooling system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention will be described in detail below. Unless otherwise specified in this specification, "A to B" representing a numerical range means "A or greater, B or less".

[0012] [1. Server Cooling Composition] A server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention comprises water (A), a sugar alcohol (B), and a chelating agent (C) that suppresses the generation of deposits. As a result, the server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention can be a server cooling composition that is low in toxicity, has excellent biodegradability, is easy to dispose of, and suppresses the generation of deposits.

[0013] Herein, in this specification, the "server cooling composition" means a liquid composition used as a refrigerant in DLC for cooling a server. The "server cooling composition" is also called a server cooling coolant, server cooling refrigerant, server cooling refrigerant, or simply a server cooling liquid, cooling water, or coolant.

[0014] Furthermore, in this specification, "low toxicity" and "excellent biodegradability" mean that the substance is low in toxicity and biodegradable to the extent that it meets the standards for permissible discharge as general wastewater in various countries, such as Japan. As such, the server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention is low in toxicity and excellent in biodegradability, making it easy to discharge as general wastewater. In other words, the server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention is easy to dispose of.

[0015] Furthermore, in this specification, "suppressing the generation of deposits" means completely preventing the generation of deposits, or reducing the amount of deposits generated compared to conventional server cooling compositions that do not contain a chelating agent (C). When reducing the amount of deposits generated, the degree of reduction is not particularly limited. Also, "deposits" refers to deposits that occur due to the precipitation of metal ions such as calcium and magnesium, mainly contained in water in the server cooling composition. These deposits are also called scale or ghosts, and are mainly composed of carbonates, silicates, etc.

[0016] The following describes in detail each component contained in a server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0017] <Water (A)> By including water in the server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention, the components other than water contained in the server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention can be diluted to a desired concentration.

[0018] Examples of water used in a server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention include tap water; pure water such as distilled water, RO water, and ion-exchanged water; and ultrapure water. The purity of the water increases in the order of tap water, pure water, and ultrapure water. Among these, from the viewpoint of suppressing spoilage of the server cooling composition, water with a purity of pure water or higher is preferred, and ion-exchanged water is more preferred.

[0019] <Sugar alcohol (B)> Sugar alcohols contribute to the expression of the freeze-inhibiting effect and the microbial growth-inhibiting effect of the server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0020] By suppressing the growth of microorganisms in the passages through which the server cooling composition is circulated within the server cooling system (hereinafter referred to as the "cooling pathway"), the spoilage of the server cooling composition can be suppressed.

[0021] Furthermore, by suppressing the growth of microorganisms within the cooling pathway, the decrease in cooling performance due to blockage of the cooling pathway is suppressed, leading to a reduction in the risk of downtime for systems such as servers. The reason for this is as follows: When microorganisms (for example, fungi such as Fusarium sp.) grow within the cooling pathway, the microorganisms and organic matter produced by them are deposited and adhere to the cooling pathway. The deposition and adhesion of microorganisms within the cooling pathway, like the deposits mentioned above, is one of the causes of blockage of the cooling pathway. By containing a sugar alcohol in one aspect of the present invention, the growth of microorganisms within the cooling pathway is suppressed, thereby suppressing the deposition and adhesion of microorganisms within the cooling pathway, and thus suppressing the decrease in cooling performance due to blockage of the cooling pathway. Furthermore, corrosion caused by acids produced by fungi can be suppressed.

[0022] Furthermore, by suppressing the spoilage of the server cooling composition, it is possible to reduce the frequency and cost of maintenance on the server cooling system.

[0023] Sugar alcohols are ingredients that can be used as food additives, and their safety for living organisms has been confirmed. Therefore, this server cooling composition containing sugar alcohols offers the advantages of low toxicity, excellent biodegradability, and easy disposal.

[0024] Generally, sugar alcohols are low-molecular-weight biomolecules widely distributed in higher plants and lower plants such as seaweed and lichens. They are a general term for chain-like polyhydric alcohols obtained when the carbonyl group of a sugar molecule is reduced to a hydroxyl group.

[0025] Examples of sugar alcohols used in a server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention include glycerol, erythritol, isomalt, lactitol, maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol, and xylitol. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0026] The degree of the freeze-inhibiting effect and the microbial growth-inhibiting effect of sugar alcohols is determined by the sugar alcohol content in the server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention. The higher the sugar alcohol content in the server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention, the more the freeze-inhibiting effect and the microbial growth-inhibiting effect can be improved. Therefore, the lower limit of the sugar alcohol content in the server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention can be appropriately determined within a range in which the desired effect can be obtained.

[0027] For example, when using a server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention at or near room temperature, the sugar alcohol content in the server cooling composition is preferably 0.5% by mass or more, and more preferably 5% by mass or more. In this case, there is no particular upper limit to the sugar alcohol content in the server cooling composition, but from the viewpoint of fluidity and low-temperature precipitation, it is preferably 40% by mass or less, more preferably 30% by mass or less, and even more preferably 25% by mass or less. The lower and upper limits of these numerical ranges may be arbitrarily combined, and the sugar alcohol content in the server cooling composition is, for example, preferably 0.5 to 40% by mass, more preferably 5 to 30% by mass, and even more preferably 5 to 25% by mass.

[0028] When using the server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention in a lower temperature environment, the amount of sugar alcohol in the server cooling composition can be increased beyond the amount described above. For example, the server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention may have a sugar alcohol content of 40% by mass or more, for example, 45% by mass or more, 50% by mass or more, or 55% by mass or more. In this case, the upper limit of the sugar alcohol content in the server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention is preferably 70% by mass or less from the viewpoint of viscosity and fluidity. The lower and upper limits of these numerical ranges may be arbitrarily combined, and the sugar alcohol content in the server cooling composition is preferably 40 to 70% by mass, more preferably 45 to 70% by mass, even more preferably 50 to 70% by mass, and even more preferably 55 to 70% by mass.

[0029] <Chelating agent (C)> A server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention can suppress the generation of deposits by containing a chelating agent. Since deposits are one of the causes of blockage of cooling paths, suppressing the generation of deposits can suppress the decrease in cooling performance due to blockage of cooling paths, and as a result, reduce the risk of downtime for systems such as servers. Furthermore, suppressing blockage of cooling paths also has the effect of reducing the frequency and cost of maintenance for server cooling systems.

[0030] The chelating agent used in a server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it forms a chelate complex with the metal ion in the server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention. Here, "chelate complex" means a complex formed by a coordination bond between a metal ion and a ligand having multiple coordinating sites (polydentate ligand).

[0031] As a chelating agent used in a server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention, biodegradable agents are preferred from the viewpoint of impact on the natural environment. Such chelating agents are known and include, for example, tetrasodium N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)glutamate (GLDA), tetrasodium N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)aspartate (ASDA), disodium N-2-hydroxyethyliminodiacetate (HIDA), trisodium methylglycinediacetate (MGDA), ethylenediaminesuccinic acid, diethylenetrinosine pentaacetic acid, ethyl hydroxide ethylenediaminetriacetic acid, succinic acid, iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), nitrilotriacetic acid, aminocarboxylate (APCA), sodium ethylenediaminesuccinate (EDDS), polyepoxysuccinic acid, sodium α-peptogluconate, and ethylene glycol diacetate. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0032] Among these, from the viewpoint of suppressing sediment formation, GLDA is preferred as the chelating agent.

[0033] The content of the chelating agent in the server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention is preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of sufficiently suppressing the generation of deposits. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of cost-effectiveness, the content of the chelating agent in the server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention is preferably 3% by mass or less, and more preferably 1% by mass or less. The lower and upper limits of these numerical ranges may be arbitrarily combined, and the content of the chelating agent in this server cooling composition is, for example, preferably 0.05 to 3% by mass, and more preferably 0.1 to 1% by mass.

[0034] <Ultraviolet-emitting component (D-1) and visible light-emitting component (D-2)> A server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention may, in addition to the components (A) to (C) described above, further optionally contain at least one of the ultraviolet-emitting component (D-1) and the visible light-emitting component (D-2), to the extent that the objective of the present invention is not impaired. This provides the effect of easily visually confirming changes in the state of the server cooling composition by changing the state of emission in response to deterioration of the server cooling composition due to decay, increased soiling, etc.

[0035] The ultraviolet light-emitting component used in a server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a substance that emits light when irradiated with ultraviolet light. Similarly, the visible light-emitting component used in a server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a substance that emits light when irradiated with visible light. Such ultraviolet light-emitting components and visible light-emitting components are well known, and known fluorescent substances can be used. Examples of fluorescent substances include rhodamine B, fluorescein, eosin, zinc or calcium oxides, zinc or calcium sulfides, and vitamin B. ２ These are some examples.

[0036] From the viewpoint of luminescence performance, the content of the ultraviolet light-emitting component or the visible light-emitting component in the server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention is preferably 0.01% by mass or more. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of environmental considerations, the content of the ultraviolet light-emitting component or the visible light-emitting component in the server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention is preferably 1% by mass or less. If the server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention contains both an ultraviolet light-emitting component and a visible light-emitting component, the total content of these components may be within the above range.

[0037] <Metal Corrosion Inhibitor (E)> A server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention may, in addition to the components (A) to (C) described above, further contain a metal corrosion inhibitor as needed, to the extent that the objective of the present invention is not impaired. This makes it possible to suppress the deterioration of the server cooling composition due to metal corrosion.

[0038] Furthermore, corrosion products generated by metal corrosion within the cooling path, like the deposits mentioned above, are one of the causes of blockage in the cooling path. By adding a metal corrosion inhibitor (E) to a server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention, metal corrosion within the cooling path can be suppressed, thereby preventing a decrease in cooling performance due to blockage in the cooling path.

[0039] As a metal corrosion inhibitor used in a server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention, conventionally known metal corrosion inhibitors can be used, for example, sodium and potassium salts of inorganic acids such as boric acid, tungstic acid, molybdic acid, phosphoric acid, carbonic acid, sulfuric acid, silicic acid, nitric acid, and nitrite; triazoles such as benzotriazole, methylbenzotriazole, tolyltriazole, and hydrocarbyltriazole and their salts; thiazoles such as mercaptobenzothiazole and their salts; fatty acid alkanolamides; imidazolines; oxazolines; tetraalkoxysilanes such as tetraethoxysilane and their salts. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0040] Among these, from the viewpoint of corrosion prevention with a small amount of addition, the metal corrosion inhibitor is preferably at least one of benzotriazole and tetraethoxysilane. Benzotriazole is known as a copper corrosion inhibitor. Tetraethoxysilane is known as an aluminum corrosion inhibitor.

[0041] From the viewpoint of corrosion prevention, the total content of the metal corrosion inhibitor in the server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention is preferably 0.001% by mass or more. Also, from the viewpoints of environmental impact and disposal property, the total content of the metal corrosion inhibitor in the server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention is preferably 5% by mass or less.

[0042] <Other Additives> The server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention may further contain other additives as necessary, in addition to the components (A) to (C) and the optional components (D) to (E) described above, as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.

[0043] Examples of the additives include conventionally known antioxidants, defoamers, antibacterial agents, acid / base neutralizers, rust preventives, and the like. By arbitrarily adding the above additives, antioxidant effects, defoaming properties, antibacterial properties, removal of kalk (chlorine), rust preventive properties, and the like can be expected.

[0044] The content of other additives in the server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention may be appropriately adjusted from the viewpoint of the performance expression of each additive. Also, from the viewpoint of reducing the influence on the physical properties of the resulting server cooling composition, etc., the total content of other additives in the server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention is about 0.01 to 5% by mass, but may be appropriately adjusted according to the desired performance.

[0045] <Preferred Composition Examples of Server Cooling Compositions> A preferred composition example of a server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention is, for example, the following composition: A server cooling composition comprising, with respect to the total mass of the server cooling composition, 0.5% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less of sugar alcohol, and 0.05% by mass or more and 3% by mass or less of GLDA; optionally comprising 0.01% by mass or more and 0.5% by mass or less of benzotriazole, 0.01% by mass or more and 0.5% by mass or less of tetraethoxysilane, and 0.01% by mass or more and 0.5% by mass or less of ultraviolet light emitting component or visible light emitting component; and the remainder being pure water.

[0046] Furthermore, another preferred composition example of a server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention is, for example, the following composition: comprising, in terms of the total mass of the server cooling composition, 40% to 70% by mass of sugar alcohol and 0.05% to 3% by mass of GLDA; optionally comprising 0.05% to 1% by mass of benzotriazole, 0.05% to 1% by mass of tetraethoxysilane, and 0.05% to 1% by mass of an ultraviolet light emitting component or a visible light emitting component; and the remainder being pure water.

[0047] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of low toxicity, biodegradability, and ease of disposal, it is preferable that the server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention substantially does not contain components that have properties that are harmful to living organisms and the environment, such as polyethylene glycol and isopropyl alcohol. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of the Fire Service Act in Japan, it is preferable that the server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention substantially does not contain flammable low-molecular-weight alcohols with a flash point below 21°C, such as methanol and ethanol, and other solvents.

[0048] Herein, in this specification, "substantially absent" means that the above-mentioned components are not present in a quantity that would hinder the manifestation of the effects of the server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention, preferably meaning that the content of the above-mentioned components in the server cooling composition is 1.0% by mass or less, more preferably meaning that the content of the above-mentioned components in the server cooling composition is 0.5% by mass or less, even more preferably meaning that the content of the above-mentioned components in the server cooling composition is 0.1% by mass or less, and particularly preferably meaning that the content of the above-mentioned components in the server cooling composition is 0% by mass (undetectable).

[0049] <Uses of Server Cooling Composition> A server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention can be used as a refrigerant in DLC for cooling servers equipped with processors such as CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), and GPGPUs (General-Purpose Graphics Processing Units). The server may be a consumer server or an industrial server. Specific examples of such servers include servers using consumer personal computers and servers in data centers. Furthermore, in addition to such information processing equipment or devices, it can also be used as a coolant for control panels in factories or as a coolant for charging cables in electric vehicle fast charging stations by using it in combination with equipment or devices that have electrical countermeasures in place according to the operating environment, such as protection against electrical leakage and short circuits.

[0050] <Form of Server Cooling Composition> One aspect of the present invention is a liquid composition. Preferably, the server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention is an aqueous liquid composition.

[0051] Furthermore, a server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention may be prepared by blending the above-mentioned components at the required concentration from the beginning, or a concentrated solution may be prepared and then diluted with water to the desired concentration at the time of use. From the viewpoint of ease of handling, a concentrated solution with a volume ratio of 2 times or more and 10,000 times or less is preferred.

[0052] <Method for Manufacturing Server Cooling Composition> A server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention can be manufactured by mixing the above-mentioned components. The mixing method is not particularly limited as long as the components can be mixed uniformly.

[0053] [2. Server Cooling System] A server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention is equipped with a cold plate type DLC cooling path (hereinafter simply referred to as the "cooling path"). This cooling path comprises at least one cold plate, a heat exchanger, and a pump. The cold plate, the heat exchanger, and the pump are connected in communication via a passage through which the server cooling composition flows. The cold plate is mounted so as to be in thermal contact with the heat source inside the server (CPU, GPU, GPGPU, and electronic circuit boards and network applications equipped therewith, etc.), and cools the server by removing heat from the heat source. The heat exchanger cools the server cooling composition. The pump pumps the server cooling composition by supplying energy to the server cooling composition in the passage. As the server cooling composition is pumped by the pump, it circulates between the cold plate and the heat exchanger. By being equipped with the above-described cooling path, the server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention can cool the heat source inside the server.

[0054] The servers to which the server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention can be applied are as described in the section "Uses of the Server Cooling Composition," so a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0055] A server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a deposit suppression mechanism in the middle of the cooling path to suppress the generation of deposits within the cooling path, and it is preferable that the deposit suppression mechanism is a fine bubble generator or an ultrafine bubble generator. This makes it possible to suppress the generation of deposits within the cooling path.

[0056] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, a server cooling system preferably includes a sterilization device in the middle of the cooling path for sterilizing the server cooling composition circulating within the cooling path. This makes it possible to suppress the spoilage of the server cooling composition by sterilizing it. In addition, sterilization of the server cooling composition makes it possible to suppress the deposition and attachment of microorganisms in the cooling path, as well as corrosion caused by acids generated by fungi.

[0057] <Cold plate, heat exchanger and pump> The cold plate, heat exchanger and pump constituting the cooling path in one aspect of the present invention can be those used in conventionally known cold plate type DLC cooling paths.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, the number of cold plates provided in the cooling path is not particularly limited, and the required number can be appropriately selected according to the number of heat sources to be cooled.

[0059] Cold plates are commercially available, such as the "HI-CONTACT 4-PASS COLDPLATE" from BOYD Corporation and the "Lenovo Naptune" from Lenovo Corporation.

[0060] The heat exchanger can be appropriately selected to have suitable performance (e.g., cooling capacity) depending on the scale of the server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0061] A conventionally known water flow pump or the like can be used as the pump. Depending on the scale of the server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention, a pump with appropriate performance (e.g., discharge rate, head, etc.) can be appropriately selected.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling path may include a Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU) (hereinafter referred to as "CDU") instead of a heat exchanger and a pump to cool and pump the server cooling composition.

[0063] CDUs are commercially available, and examples include the "RackChillerCDU800" manufactured by nVent.

[0064] <Passage> The passage is a hollow tube through which the server cooling composition can flow, and its material, diameter, shape, etc., are not particularly limited. The length of the passage can be selected appropriately according to the scale of the cooling path. However, if the server cooling composition according to one aspect of the present invention contains at least one of an ultraviolet light emitting component (D-1) and a visible light emitting component (D-2), it is preferable to use a passage in which at least a portion of the side wall is made of a material that transmits light emitted from the ultraviolet light emitting component (D-1) or the visible light emitting component (D-2), so that the change in the state of emission of the server cooling composition can be visually confirmed.

[0065] <Fine Bubble Generator> The fine bubble generator, a deposit suppression mechanism that suppresses the generation of deposits in the cooling path, can turn the server cooling composition in the cooling path into fine bubbles. The action of these fine bubbles in the server cooling composition can suppress the generation of deposits in the cooling path.

[0066] The efficacy of fine bubbles is publicly known and is described in publications such as the following: Publication: Journal of Chemical Engineering, Vol. 78, No. 9 (2014), "Trends and Challenges of Fine Bubble Technology," Koichi Terasaka.

[0067] In view of the known efficacy of fine bubbles, the mechanism of action of fine bubbles in a server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention is considered to be as follows: Fine bubbles of the server cooling composition enter the gap between the inner wall of the passage in the cooling path and the deposit, causing the deposit to lift slightly from the inner wall of the passage. The force of the flow of the server cooling composition is then applied, causing the lifted deposit to peel off from the inner wall of the passage. The peeled deposit has a positive charge, and the negative charge of the fine bubbles adheres to it, causing the peeled deposit to float.

[0068] Furthermore, by creating fine bubbles in the server cooling composition, the following effects are expected to be achieved in addition to the effects mentioned above: • Inactivation of anaerobic bacteria: When the server cooling composition is created into fine bubbles, the trace amounts of oxygen in the air within the composition are converted into fine bubbles. These oxygen fine bubbles inactivate anaerobic bacteria in the server cooling composition. This makes the server cooling composition less susceptible to spoilage and reduces odors caused by spoilage. • Improved heat exchange efficiency: Creating fine bubbles in the server cooling composition makes it easier to vaporize, thus improving heat exchange efficiency. This improves the server's cooling performance. • Improved wettability: Creating fine bubbles in the server cooling composition improves its wettability with metal surfaces. This improves heat exchange efficiency on metal surfaces, thus improving the server's cooling performance.

[0069] Here, the term "fine bubble" is defined in ISO 20480-1:2017. According to this standard, bubbles with a diameter of less than 100 μm are collectively called "fine bubbles." Among fine bubbles, those with a diameter of 1 μm or more and less than 100 μm are called "microbubbles," and those with a diameter of less than 1 μm are called "ultrafine bubbles."

[0070] Since finely atomized bubbles have a longer residence time in the liquid, from the viewpoint of enhancing the effect of fine bubble formation in the server cooling composition, it is preferable that the particle size of the fine bubbles in the server cooling composition be as small as possible. Therefore, the fine bubbles of the server cooling composition generated by the fine bubble generator are preferably microbubbles with a bubble diameter of 1 μm or more and less than 100 μm, and more preferably ultrafine bubbles with a bubble diameter of less than 1 μm. In this specification, the bubble diameter of the fine bubbles in the server cooling composition is a value measured by the method specified in ISO 20480-1:2017 or JIS B 8741-1:2019.

[0071] As a fine bubble generator, a known fine bubble nozzle can be used. Fine bubble nozzles are commercially available, for example, "Product name: YJ Nozzle" manufactured by Enviro-Vision Co., Ltd., "Product name: HELIX NOZZLE" manufactured by Enviro-Vision Co., Ltd., and "Product name: UFB DUAL" manufactured by Enviro-Vision Co., Ltd. ＴＭ Examples include "Product Name: ProGG (CU) 15A" manufactured by micro-bub Co., Ltd., "Product Name: ProGG (SUS) 20A, 25A, 50A" manufactured by micro-bub Co., Ltd., "Product Name: ProGG" manufactured by micro-bub Co., Ltd., and "Product Name: GardenWW" manufactured by micro-bub Co., Ltd.

[0072] <Disinfection Device> As a disinfection device for disinfecting the server cooling composition, conventionally known disinfection devices used for disinfecting bacteria in liquids can be used. Examples of such disinfection devices include ultraviolet disinfection devices, ozone disinfection devices, and generators of disinfectable visible light (for example, light with a wavelength of 380 to 420 nm, preferably 405 nm) (hereinafter referred to as "visible light disinfection devices"). Among the disinfection devices described above, it is preferable that the disinfection device is a light-emitting type disinfection device equipped with a light source such as a high-pressure mercury lamp, a low-pressure mercury lamp, an LED ultraviolet lamp, an excimer ultraviolet lamp, or a 405 nm LED light emitter, as this makes disinfection easier to achieve. A server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention may include at least one of an ultraviolet disinfection device and a visible light disinfection device.

[0073] In this specification, "sterilization" of a server cooling composition means removing bacteria from the server cooling composition. "Sterilization" includes not only killing bacteria but also inactivating them and preventing their growth, thereby suppressing bacterial reproduction. Suppressing bacterial reproduction is also called "antibacterial action." The mechanism of sterilization by the sterilization device described above is publicly known.

[0074] (Microorganisms to be eliminated) In a server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention, the microorganisms to be eliminated are microorganisms that can survive or grow in the server cooling composition. Representative examples of such microorganisms include the following bacteria and fungi, but the microorganisms to be eliminated are not limited to these: Aerobic bacteria such as Pseudomonas species. A representative species of Pseudomonas is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Anaerobic bacteria such as Intestinal bacteria such as Escherichia coli; Clostridium species; Sulfate-reducing bacteria such as Desulfovibrio denitri-ficans; Fusarium species (red mold).

[0075] In this specification, these microorganisms may sometimes be simply referred to as "fungi."

[0076] (Ultraviolet Sterilization Device) The ultraviolet sterilization device sterilizes bacteria by applying ultraviolet light energy to the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of the bacteria. In a server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention, the ultraviolet sterilization device comprises an ultraviolet light source consisting of one of a high-pressure mercury lamp, a low-pressure mercury lamp, an ultraviolet light-emitting diode (ultraviolet LED), or an excimer ultraviolet lamp, or a combination thereof. The ultraviolet light source is the part of the ultraviolet sterilization device that emits ultraviolet light. In a server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention, any high-pressure mercury lamp, low-pressure mercury lamp, ultraviolet LED, and excimer ultraviolet lamp configured to emit ultraviolet light (wavelength 400 nm or less) can be used as the ultraviolet lamp, ultraviolet LED, and excimer ultraviolet lamp that can be used as the ultraviolet light source.

[0077] (Visible Light Sterilization Device) Examples of visible light sterilization devices include a visible light generator with a wavelength of 380 to 420 nm, preferably a 405 nm visible light generator (hereinafter referred to as the "405 nm visible light sterilization device"). Unlike ultraviolet light, which acts on the DNA inside bacteria, the 405 nm visible light sterilization device acts on the Soret band, which strongly absorbs visible light contained in bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, thereby generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) molecules such as singlet oxygen and hydrogen peroxide from inside the bacteria, and has a mechanism of action that destroys cellular mechanisms with these reactive oxygen species. In a server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention, the 405 nm visible light sterilization device can be a device equipped with a visible light source around 405 nm, which is one of a fluorescent lamp, a light-emitting diode (LED), or an organic EL, or a combination thereof.

[0078] In this specification, for convenience, a light-emitting sterilization device that irradiates ultraviolet light will be called an ultraviolet sterilization device, and a light-emitting sterilization device that irradiates 405 nm visible light will be called a visible light sterilization device. However, in a server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention, the light-emitting sterilization device may be equipped with only one of the following as a light source: a high-pressure mercury lamp, a low-pressure mercury lamp, an ultraviolet LED, or an excimer-emitting ultraviolet lamp, as well as an LED and / or an organic EL or fluorescent lamp capable of irradiating visible light with a wavelength of 380 to 420 nm (preferably a wavelength of 405 nm), or it may be equipped with a combination of an ultraviolet light source and a visible light source with a wavelength of 380 to 420 nm (preferably a wavelength of 405 nm). The types of ultraviolet light source and visible light source equipped in the light-emitting sterilization device can be appropriately selected.

[0079] Since ultraviolet light is harmful to living organisms, including humans, when using ultraviolet LEDs other than 222 nm, it is preferable to irradiate with ultraviolet light in a way that prevents ultraviolet light from leaking outside the ultraviolet sterilization device. On the other hand, excimer ultraviolet lamps can emit ultraviolet light at a specific wavelength of 222 nm, and since ultraviolet light at this wavelength is not harmful to the human body, they can be used even in environments where ultraviolet light leaks outside, such as open environments. Furthermore, visible light sterilization devices that emit visible light at wavelengths of 380 to 420 nm (preferably 405 nm) in the visible light range have a mechanism that acts only on bacteria, unlike ultraviolet light which acts on the DNA of cells, including those of the human body. Therefore, visible light sterilization devices can also be used even in environments where the light emitted from the visible light sterilization device leaks out.

[0080] From the viewpoint of sterilization effect against microorganisms, the ultraviolet light source is preferably configured to emit ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 315 nm or less, and more preferably configured to emit ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 300 nm or less. Ultraviolet light in the wavelength range of 200 to 300 nm is particularly called "deep ultraviolet light," and is known to exhibit a particularly high sterilization effect against microorganisms among ultraviolet light. Furthermore, within this deep ultraviolet wavelength range, ultraviolet light in the wavelength range of 220 to 285 nm is more preferable because it exhibits an even higher sterilization effect against microorganisms. In addition, ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 222 nm is even more preferable because it has little effect on the human body and exhibits a high sterilization effect against microorganisms.

[0081] Accordingly, in a server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention, the ultraviolet light source is preferably a light source that emits deep ultraviolet light, more preferably a light source that emits deep ultraviolet light in the wavelength range of 220 to 285 nm, and even more preferably a light source that emits deep ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 222 nm.

[0082] Because of its small size, it is easy to apply to existing server cooling systems, and because it has a lower environmental impact than mercury-based ultraviolet lamps, and can be made smaller and have a longer lifespan, the ultraviolet light source is preferably an ultraviolet-emitting LED that emits deep ultraviolet light.

[0083] (Light irradiation dose) The greater the irradiation dose of ultraviolet light or visible light capable of disinfection, such as 405 nm, the greater the disinfection effect tends to be. Light irradiation dose (mJ / cm ２ The ray irradiation dose (mJ / cm²) is calculated using the following formula: ２ ) = illuminance (mW / cm ２ ) × irradiation time (seconds).

[0084] In a server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention, the light irradiation dose (mJ / cm²) that can obtain a sufficient sterilization effect is obtained. ２ To enable the irradiation of the server cooling composition in the cooling path with ultraviolet light or germicidal visible light, the distance from the light source to the server cooling composition to be irradiated (for example, the position where the light source is installed, the diameter of the pipe through which the server cooling composition flows, etc.), the flow rate of the server cooling composition in the pipe, the irradiation time of the germicidal light, the output of the light source, and the flow state of the server cooling composition in the light irradiation area (laminar flow, turbulent flow) can be adjusted.

[0085] The amount of light required for sterilization varies depending on the type of sterilizing light (ultraviolet light or visible light capable of sterilization) and the type of microorganism. For example, in the case of ultraviolet light, the ultraviolet irradiation dose must be at least 3 mJ / cm². ２ If present, it is believed that sufficient disinfection effect can be obtained against the above-mentioned microorganisms, which were exemplified as the target microorganisms for disinfection.

[0086] Ultraviolet sterilization devices and visible light sterilization devices are commercially available. For example, as ultraviolet sterilization devices, products such as "Product Name: DWM" and "Product Name: PearlAquaMicro A Model" manufactured by Nikkiso Co., Ltd., "Product Name: ULR9C / S" and "Product Name: ULR1B / 2B" manufactured by Stanley Electric Co., Ltd., "Product Name: ULR4B / 6B / 9C / 34C / 54C" and "Product Name: ULR24A" manufactured by Stanley Electric Co., Ltd. can be used in a server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0087] <Other Devices> A server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention may further include other devices in addition to the cooling path described above. In one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the other devices are at least one of (i) a device that supplies cooling water to the heat exchanger of the cooling path described above and (ii) a device that utilizes the heat discharged from the cooling path described above.

[0088] Specific examples of such other devices include, for example, aquaponics systems. By further comprising an aquaponics system in one aspect of the present invention, the server cooling system can efficiently cool the server cooling composition in the cooling path while effectively utilizing the heat discharged from the cooling path.

[0089] (Aquaponics System) An aquaponics system is a system that combines a plant cultivation system and an aquaculture system. In an aquaponics system, the plant cultivation system and the aquaculture system have a mechanism to reuse a portion of the water used in one system in the cultivation tanks of the plant cultivation system and the tanks in the aquaculture system where fish and shellfish are raised. In other words, in an aquaponics system, water contaminated with fish and shellfish waste generated in the aquaculture system can be effectively used for plant cultivation. The rearing water mixed with fish and shellfish waste is supplied to the plant cultivation system. The fish and shellfish waste in this rearing water contains nitrogen compounds such as ammonia and phosphate compounds, which are supplied to the plants, or the nitrogen compounds are broken down by microorganisms into nitrite and nitrate compounds, which become nutrients for the plants being cultivated. In addition, the nutrient solution discharged from the plant cultivation system is supplied to the aquaculture system and becomes the rearing water for fish and shellfish.

[0090] The aquaponics system is connected to the heat exchanger in the above-mentioned cooling path via a passage through which cooling water is circulated between the system and the heat exchanger (hereinafter referred to as the "cooling water passage").

[0091] Water used in the aquaponics system is supplied as cooling water to the heat exchanger in the cooling path via a cooling water passage. The server cooling composition flowing through the heat exchanger is cooled by heat exchange with this cooling water. Meanwhile, the cooling water heated by this heat exchange is returned to the aquaponics system via the cooling water passage and reused for raising fish and shellfish and cultivating plants.

[0092] There are no particular restrictions on the types of plants that can be cultivated in an aquaponics system. By setting the types and amounts of fish and microorganisms according to the types and amounts of fertilizer components required by the plants being cultivated, the system can be optimized for the specific plant's needs.

[0093] There are no particular restrictions on the types of fish that can be farmed using aquaponics systems; the settings should be adjusted as appropriate according to water quality and other factors. Furthermore, the type and amount of plants can be adjusted according to the type of fish or shellfish being farmed to create an environment with water quality and other conditions suitable for the growth of those fish or shellfish.

[0094] A server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention may include a cooling water supply device that supplies cooling water to the heat exchanger in the above-mentioned cooling path, instead of an aquaponics device. By including a cooling water supply device, the server cooling composition in the cooling path can be cooled efficiently. Examples of cooling water supply devices that can be included in a server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention include conventionally known cooling towers, plant cultivation devices, aquaculture devices, aquariums, and the like.

[0095] Furthermore, a server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention may be equipped with a waste heat utilization device that utilizes the heat discharged from the above-mentioned cooling path, instead of an aquaponics system. By providing a waste heat utilization device, the heat discharged from the cooling path can be effectively utilized by the waste heat utilization device. Examples of waste heat utilization devices that a server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention may be equipped with include conventionally known plant cultivation devices, aquaculture devices, hot water supply devices, binary power generation devices, power generation devices using the Seebeck effect with a Peltier element, and heat pump devices. The binary power generation device described herein refers to a mechanism in which the cooling water (hot water) with lower heat, heated by the cooling water circulation of the system, is secondarily heat-exchanged with a working medium with a lower boiling point (alternative fluorocarbon refrigerant, propane, ammonia, etc.), and the resulting steam from the working medium rotates a turbine to generate electricity.

[0096] Furthermore, a server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention may include both the cooling water supply device and the waste heat utilization device described above in place of an aquaponics system. In this case, the system may either circulate water between the cooling water supply device and the waste heat utilization device, or it may not circulate water.

[0097] <Target of Server Cooling System> The type of server to be cooled by the server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention is not particularly limited. The server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention can be preferably applied to servers equipped with processors such as CPUs, GPUs, and GPGPUs, and especially to servers equipped with GPUs and GPGPUs that generate a large amount of heat.

[0098] <Preferred combinations of server cooling systems and server cooling compositions> (1) Examples of server cooling system configurations The cooling path of a server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention preferably includes at least one of a fine bubble generator and a sterilization device, but it is also possible to have a configuration that does not include both a fine bubble generator and a sterilization device. Examples of cooling path configurations of a server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention include the following: [Cooling path configuration example 1] The cooling path includes a fine bubble generator; [Cooling path configuration example 2] The cooling path includes a sterilization device; [Cooling path configuration example 3] The cooling path includes both a fine bubble generator and a sterilization device; [Cooling path configuration example 4] The cooling path does not include both a fine bubble generator and a sterilization device.

[0099] The effects of the server cooling systems equipped with the cooling paths of Configuration Examples 1, 2, and 4 are as described above. The server cooling system equipped with the cooling path of Configuration Example 3 is particularly preferred among the server cooling systems equipped with each of the cooling paths of Configuration Examples 1 to 4 because it can combine the effect of suppressing deposit generation by the fine bubble generator, which is a deposit suppression mechanism, with the effect of sterilization by the sterilization device.

[0100] Furthermore, examples of other device configurations that the server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention may include are, for example, the following configurations: [Example of other device configuration A] The system is equipped with an aquaponics system as another device; [Example of other device configuration B] The system is equipped with a cooling water supply device as another device; [Example of other device configuration C] The system is equipped with a waste heat utilization device as another device; [Example of other device configuration D] The system is equipped with a cooling water supply device and a waste heat utilization device as other devices.

[0101] A server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention can be provided by appropriately combining one of the cooling path configuration examples 1 to 4 described above with one of the other devices configuration examples A to D described above. Alternatively, a server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention may be configured to include one of the cooling path configuration examples 1 to 4 described above, but without any other devices.

[0102] (2) Examples of Server Cooling Compositions Examples of server cooling compositions that can be used with a server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention include, for example, the following compositions: [Composition composition example a] The server cooling composition comprises at least water (A); [Composition composition example b] The server cooling composition comprises at least water (A) and sugar alcohol (B); [Composition composition example c] The server cooling composition comprises at least water (A), sugar alcohol (B), and a chelating agent (C); [Composition composition example d] The server cooling composition comprises at least water (A) and a chelating agent (C).

[0103] The server cooling compositions of composition examples a to d may further contain, in addition to the above-mentioned components, one or more components selected from the group consisting of an ultraviolet light emitting component (D-1), a visible light emitting component (D-2), a metal corrosion inhibitor (E), and other additives.

[0104] (3) Preferred combination of server cooling system and server cooling composition A server cooling system equipped with the cooling path of Cooling Path Configuration Example 1 can preferably use the server cooling composition of Composition Configuration Example b or c as the server cooling composition. With this combination, both the effect of suppressing deposit generation by the fine bubble generator equipped in the server cooling system and the effect of suppressing microbial growth by the sugar alcohol (B) contained in the server cooling composition can be obtained.

[0105] Furthermore, in a server cooling system equipped with the cooling path of Cooling Path Configuration Example 2, the server cooling composition of Composition Configuration Example c or d can preferably be used as the server cooling composition. With this combination, both the sterilization effect of the sterilization device equipped in the server cooling system and the effect of suppressing the generation of deposits by the chelating agent (C) contained in the server cooling composition can be obtained.

[0106] Furthermore, a server cooling system equipped with the cooling path of Cooling Path Configuration Example 3 can use the server cooling compositions of Composition Configuration Examples a to d as the server cooling composition. With this combination, the fine bubble generator and sterilization device equipped in the server cooling system can provide both a deposit suppression effect and a microbial sterilization effect.

[0107] Furthermore, in a server cooling system equipped with the cooling path of Cooling Path Configuration Example 4, the server cooling composition of Composition Configuration Example c can preferably be used as the server cooling composition. With this combination, both the effect of inhibiting microbial growth and the effect of inhibiting the generation of deposits can be obtained through the sugar alcohol (B) and chelating agent (C) contained in the server cooling composition.

[0108] Furthermore, when a server cooling system equipped with the cooling path of Cooling Path Configuration Example 2 or 3 uses a server cooling composition of Composition Configuration Examples a to d, which further contains at least one of an ultraviolet light-emitting component (D-1) and a visible light-emitting component (D-2), it is preferable that at least a portion of the side wall of the passage of the cooling path of Cooling Path Configuration Example 2 or 3 is made of a material that transmits light emitted from the ultraviolet light-emitting component (D-1) or the visible light-emitting component (D-2), so that the change in the luminescence state of the server cooling composition can be visually confirmed. In addition, the type of sterilization device equipped in the cooling path of Cooling Path Configuration Example 2 or 3 may be selected according to the type of light-emitting component contained in the server cooling composition.

[0109] [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the server cooling system 1 according to this embodiment. In Figure 1, the thin arrows in the cooling path 100 represent the passages 70 (first passage 701 and second passage 702) through which the server cooling composition flows within the cooling path 100, and the direction of the arrows represents the direction of flow of the server cooling composition within the passages 70. Also, the thin arrows in the aquaponics device 200 represent the passages 250 (first cooling water passage 250) through which water flows within the aquaponics device 200, and the direction of the arrows represents the direction of flow of water within the passage 250. Furthermore, the thin arrows connecting the cooling path 100 and the aquaponics device 200 represent the cooling water passages 260 (second cooling water passage 261 and third cooling water passage 262) that circulate cooling water between the cooling path 100 and the aquaponics device 200, and the direction of the arrows indicates the direction of water flow within the cooling water passages 260.

[0110] Furthermore, the thick black arrows in Figure 1 indicate the flow of heated server cooling composition, while the thick white arrows indicate the flow of cooled server cooling composition. Also, in Figure 1, the thick diagonal arrows between the cooling path 100 and the aquaponics device 200 indicate the direction of movement of chilled water and heat between the cooling path 100 and the aquaponics device 200.

[0111] Figure 2 shows the configuration of the ultraviolet sterilization device 30 included in the server cooling system 1. For ease of explanation, in Figure 2, the passage 70 is shown as a cross-sectional view along the pipe axis. Also, Figure 2 shows the server cooling composition flowing through the passage 70.

[0112] As shown in Figure 1, the server cooling system 1 comprises a cooling path 100 and an aquaponics device 200. Since each component of the server cooling system 1 is a component of the server cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention described above, detailed descriptions will be based on the descriptions of those components, and the same descriptions will not be repeated.

[0113] The server cooling system 1 uses the server cooling composition of Manufacturing Example 1, which is shown in the examples described later.

[0114] (Cooling path 100) The cooling path 100 is a cold plate type DLC cooling path and comprises a plurality of cold plates 10, a fine bubble nozzle (fine bubble generator, "MB" in Figure 1) 20, an ultraviolet sterilization device ("UV" in Figure 1) 30, and a CDU 40. The cooling path 100 also includes a first passage 701 and a second passage 702 as passages for circulating the server cooling composition within the cooling path 100. The first passage 701 is a passage for circulating the server cooling composition cooled in the CDU 40 toward the cold plates 10. The second passage 702 is a passage for circulating the server cooling composition heated by the heat from the server S in the cold plates 10 toward the CDU 40. In this specification, the two passages 701 and 702 may not be distinguished and may simply be referred to as passage 70. The first passage 701 and the second passage 702 may be made of copper, aluminum, steel, or stainless steel.

[0115] The cooling path 100 cools the server S by circulating the server cooling composition between the cold plate 10, which is in thermal contact with the server S, and the CDU 40. In the cooling path 100, the server cooling composition (thick white arrow) cooled by the CDU 40 flows through the first passage 701 connected to the downstream end of the CDU 40 to the upstream end of the distribution manifold 71, and then flows into each of the multiple cold plates 10 via the distribution manifold 71. In this specification, "upstream" and "downstream" are based on the direction of flow of the server cooling composition within the passage 70. The position where the server cooling composition reaches first with respect to an object (e.g., a distribution manifold) is described as the "upstream" of the object, and the position where it reaches later is described as the "downstream" of the object.

[0116] In the first passage 701, a fine bubble nozzle 20 and an ultraviolet sterilization device 30 are provided in that order, along the flow of the server cooling composition within the first passage 701 from upstream to downstream. The server cooling composition introduced into the fine bubble nozzle 20 is converted into fine bubbles, and then sterilized by irradiation with ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength as sterilizing light in the ultraviolet sterilization device 30.

[0117] As shown in Figure 2, the ultraviolet sterilization device 30 is a UV irradiation module comprising a light source 31, a passage 32, and a housing 33. The housing 33 is provided so as to surround the passage 32. The light source 31 is provided inside the passage 32. The light source 31 irradiates ultraviolet light onto the server cooling composition flowing through the passage 32. When the ultraviolet sterilization device 30 is applied to the server cooling system 1, both ends of the passage 32 of the ultraviolet sterilization device 30 are joined to the passage 70 of the server cooling system 1, so that the passage 32 forms part of the passage 70 of the server cooling system 1. If the sterilization device is a visible light sterilization device, the light source 31 irradiates 405 nm visible light.

[0118] The sterilized server cooling composition, which has been transformed into fine bubbles after passing through the fine bubble nozzle 20 and the ultraviolet sterilization device 30, flows into each of the multiple cold plates 10 via the distribution manifold 71.

[0119] Each cold plate 10 has an inlet 101 and an outlet 102. In Figure 1, for convenience, the reference numerals "101" and "102" are representatively attached to only one cold plate 10. Multiple cold plates 10 are in thermal contact with multiple servers S. The server cooling composition flows through the inside of each cold plate 10 from the inlet 101 to the outlet 102. Heat generated in the servers S is transferred to the server cooling composition flowing through the inside of each cold plate 10, resulting in the servers S being cooled and the server cooling composition being heated.

[0120] The heated server cooling composition (indicated by the thick black arrows) flows out from each outlet 102 of each cold plate 10 to each upstream end of the collection manifold 72, flows through the collection manifold 72, and is then returned to the CDU 40 through the second passage 702.

[0121] The heated server cooling composition is cooled again by heat exchange in the CDU 40 and supplied to each cold plate 10 through the first passage 701 and the distribution manifold 71.

[0122] (Aquaponics System 200) The aquaponics system 200 is a system that uses the water used for raising fish and shellfish for cultivating plants, and comprises a plant cultivation system 210, a fish farming system 220, a filtration tank 230, and a pump 240. It also includes a first cooling water passage 250 that connects the plant cultivation system 210, the fish farming system 220, the filtration tank 230, and the pump 240 to each other and circulates water within the aquaponics system 200.

[0123] The plant cultivation device 210 is equipped with a cultivation tank (not shown) for hydroponic cultivation of plants. The aquaculture device 220 is equipped with a tank (not shown) for cultivating fish and shellfish. The cultivation tank of the plant cultivation device 210 and the tank of the aquaculture device 220 are connected by a first cooling water passage 250 so that water circulates between them. In other words, the nutrient solution discharged from the plant cultivation device 210 is supplied to the aquaculture device 220 through the first cooling water passage 250 and becomes part of the water used to raise the fish and shellfish. Similarly, the water discharged from the aquaculture device 220 is supplied to the plant cultivation device 210 through the first cooling water passage 250 and becomes part of the nutrient solution.

[0124] In the first cooling water passage 250 downstream of the aquaculture apparatus 220, a filtration tank 230 and a pump 240 are provided in this order, along the water flow within the first cooling water passage 250 from upstream to downstream.

[0125] The filtration tank 230 is provided to maintain the quality of the cooling water passage and cooling water by removing solid matter such as fish and shellfish waste from the rearing water discharged from the aquaculture apparatus 220. A conventionally known filtration tank used in aquaculture apparatuses can be used as the filtration tank 230. The performance of the filtration tank 230 (e.g., filtration capacity, filtration speed, etc.) can also be appropriately selected according to the scale of the aquaponics apparatus 200.

[0126] Furthermore, the pump 240 is provided to circulate the water in the cooling water passage 250 by supplying energy to the water in the cooling water passage 250. The type of pump 240 is not particularly limited. Conventional known water flow pumps or the like can be used as the pump 240. The performance of the pump 240 (e.g., discharge rate, head, etc.) can also be appropriately selected according to the scale of the aquaponics system 200, with an appropriate output.

[0127] The amount of water circulated within the aquaponics system 200 can be appropriately set according to, for example, the volume of the cultivation tank, the volume of the aquarium, the type and quantity of plants to be cultivated, the type and quantity of fish and shellfish to be farmed, and the rate at which the rearing water becomes contaminated with fish and shellfish waste, etc.

[0128] The aquaponics system 200 is connected to the CDU 40 of the cooling path 100 via a second cooling water passage 261 and a third cooling water passage 262. The second cooling water passage 261 is a passage that allows cooling water heated in the CDU 40 to flow toward the aquaponics system 200. The third cooling water passage 262 is a passage that allows cooling water to flow from the aquaponics system 200 toward the CDU 40. In this specification, the two cooling water passages 261 and 262 are not distinguished and are simply referred to as the cooling water passage 260.

[0129] The aquaponics system 200 is connected to the CDU 40 of the cooling path 100 via a second cooling water passage 261 and a third cooling water passage 262, allowing the water used by the aquaponics system 200 to be supplied to the CDU 40 of the cooling path 100 as cooling water. The cooling water supplied to the CDU 40 is heated by heat exchange with the server cooling composition, and the heated cooling water can be returned to the aquaponics system 200 through the second cooling water passage 261, allowing the heat discharged from the cooling path 100 to be effectively utilized for raising fish and shellfish and cultivating plants.

[0130] A modified version of server cooling system 1 is described below.

[0131] <Modification 1> In the above description, an example was given of a configuration in which the server cooling system 1 is equipped with an ultraviolet sterilization device 30 as a sterilization device, but this is not limited to this embodiment. The server cooling system 1 may be equipped with a visible light sterilization device instead of the ultraviolet sterilization device 30 as a sterilization device, or it may be equipped with both the ultraviolet sterilization device 30 and the visible light sterilization device as a sterilization device.

[0132] Furthermore, although the above description has given an example of a server cooling system 1 that includes both a fine bubble nozzle 20 as a fine bubble generator and an ultraviolet sterilization device 30 as a sterilization device, this is not limited to this embodiment. The server cooling system 1 may also be configured to include a fine bubble generator but not a sterilization device; it may also be configured to include a sterilization device but not a fine bubble generator; or it may be configured to not include either a fine bubble generator or a sterilization device.

[0133] Since the fine bubble generator can suppress the formation of deposits in the cooling path and the sterilization device can also provide a sterilization effect, it is most preferable for the server cooling system 1 to be equipped with both a fine bubble generator and a sterilization device as shown in Figure 1.

[0134] <Modification 2> In the above description, an example was given of a configuration in which the server cooling system 1 is equipped with a fine bubble nozzle 20 and an ultraviolet sterilization device 30 in the middle of the first passage 701 on the downstream side of the CDU 40, but this is not limited to this embodiment. The fine bubble nozzle 20 and the ultraviolet sterilization device 30 may also be equipped in the middle of the second passage 702 on the upstream side of the CDU 40. Alternatively, the fine bubble nozzle 20 and the ultraviolet sterilization device 30 may be equipped in both the upstream and downstream passages 701 and 702 of the CDU 40.

[0135] From the viewpoint of fine bubble generation efficiency and the ability of fine bubbles to remove deposits and attached substances, the configuration of Embodiment 1 is most preferable. The same applies when the sterilization device is a visible light sterilization device as in the case of the ultraviolet sterilization device 30.

[0136] <Modification 3> In the above description, an example was given of a configuration in which the fine bubble nozzle 20 and the ultraviolet sterilization device 30 are provided in the order of fine bubble nozzle 20, then ultraviolet sterilization device 30, along the flow of the server cooling composition in the passage 70 from upstream to downstream. However, this is not limited to this embodiment. The fine bubble nozzle 20 and the ultraviolet sterilization device 30 may also be provided in the order of ultraviolet sterilization device 30, then fine bubble nozzle 20, along the flow of the server cooling composition in the passage 70 from upstream to downstream.

[0137] From the viewpoint of fine bubble generation efficiency and the ability of fine bubbles to remove deposits and attached substances, the configuration of Embodiment 1 is most preferable. The same applies when the sterilization device is a visible light sterilization device as in the case of the ultraviolet sterilization device 30.

[0138] <Modification 4> In the above description, an example was given of a configuration in which the server cooling system 1 is equipped with one fine bubble nozzle 20 and one ultraviolet sterilization device 30, but this is not limited to this embodiment. When the server cooling system 1 is equipped with at least one of the fine bubble nozzle 20 and the ultraviolet sterilization device 30, the number of fine bubble nozzles 20 and ultraviolet sterilization devices 30 only needs to be one or more, and a configuration with multiple devices is also possible. The same applies when the sterilization device is a visible light sterilization device as in the case of the ultraviolet sterilization device 30.

[0139] <Modification 5> In the above description, an example of the configuration of the server cooling system 1 when using the server cooling composition of Manufacturing Example 1 has been given, but this is not limited to this embodiment. When the server cooling system 1 uses a server cooling composition containing at least one of an ultraviolet light emitting component (D-1) and a visible light emitting component (D-2), it is preferable that at least a portion of the side wall of the passage 70 is made of a material that transmits light emitted from the ultraviolet light emitting component (D-1) or the visible light emitting component (D-2) so that the change in the state of light emission of the server cooling composition flowing through the passage 70 can be visually confirmed.

[0140] [Summary] The server cooling composition according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention comprises water (A), a sugar alcohol (B), and a chelating agent (C) that suppresses the generation of deposits.

[0141] This makes it possible to provide a server cooling composition that is low in toxicity, highly biodegradable, easy to dispose of, and can suppress the generation of deposits.

[0142] A server cooling system according to aspect 2 of the present invention uses a server cooling composition comprising water (A) and a sugar alcohol (B), and includes a deposit suppression mechanism that suppresses the generation of deposits, wherein the deposit suppression mechanism is a fine bubble generator.

[0143] This makes it possible to provide a server cooling system that can suppress the generation of deposits using a server cooling composition that is low in toxicity, highly biodegradable, and easy to dispose of.

[0144] In the server cooling composition according to embodiment 3 of the present invention, the chelating agent (C) may be tetrasodium N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)glutamate (GLDA) as described in embodiment 1 above.

[0145] GLDA is a biodegradable and environmentally friendly chelating agent, making it possible to provide server cooling systems that are low in toxicity, highly biodegradable, and easy to dispose of.

[0146] The server cooling composition according to embodiment 4 of the present invention may have a configuration in which the content of the sugar alcohol (B) is 0.5% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less, as in embodiment 1 or 3 described above.

[0147] This provides excellent freeze-inhibiting and microbial growth-inhibiting effects.

[0148] The server cooling composition according to embodiment 5 of the present invention may have a configuration in which the content of the chelating agent (C) is 0.05% by mass or more and 3% by mass or less, in any of embodiments 1, 3, and 4 described above.

[0149] This provides a good effect in suppressing the formation of sediment.

[0150] The server cooling system according to embodiment 6 of the present invention may be configured to use any one of the server cooling compositions described in embodiments 1, 3 to 5 above.

[0151] This makes it possible to provide a server cooling system that can suppress the generation of deposits using a server cooling composition that is low in toxicity, highly biodegradable, easy to dispose of, and can suppress the generation of deposits.

[0152] The server cooling system according to embodiment 7 of the present invention may further include a sterilization device for sterilizing the server cooling composition, as in embodiment 2 or 6 described above.

[0153] This makes it possible to provide a server cooling system that combines the effect of suppressing the decay of the server cooling composition by disinfection with a disinfection device and the effect of suppressing the generation of deposits by fine bubbles, or a server cooling system that is low in toxicity, has excellent biodegradability, is easy to dispose of, and can suppress the decay of the server cooling composition by its disinfection effect.

[0154] In the server cooling system according to embodiment 8 of the present invention, the sterilization device may be configured to be at least one of an ultraviolet sterilization device and a visible light sterilization device, as described in embodiment 7 above.

[0155] This makes it possible to provide a server cooling system that can achieve disinfection more easily.

[0156] A server cooling system according to aspect 9 of the present invention may have a configuration in aspect 8 above that is at least one of the following (i) and (ii): (i) the sterilization device is an ultraviolet sterilization device and the server cooling composition further comprises an ultraviolet light-emitting component that emits light when irradiated with ultraviolet light, or (ii) the sterilization device is a visible light sterilization device and the server cooling composition further comprises a visible light-emitting component that emits light when irradiated with visible light.

[0157] This allows for easy visual confirmation that germicidal light is being irradiated. Furthermore, changes in the state of the server cooling composition can be easily visually confirmed by the change in the luminescence in response to deterioration of the server cooling composition due to decay, increased soiling, etc.

[0158] The server cooling system according to embodiment 10 of the present invention may further include an aquaponics device in any of embodiments 2, 6 to 9 described above.

[0159] This allows for the effective utilization of heat generated by server cooling.

[0160] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment are also included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0161] [Manufacturing Example] The server cooling composition of Manufacturing Example 1 was manufactured by mixing each component in the proportions shown in Table 1.

[0162] The present invention can be suitably used as a server cooling composition and a server cooling system using the composition.

[0163] 1 Server cooling system 10 Cold plate 20 Fine bubble nozzle (fine bubble generator) 30 Ultraviolet sterilization device (sterilization device) 40 CDU 70 Passage 701 First passage 702 Second passage 100 Cooling path 200 Aquaponics device 210 Plant cultivation device 220 Aquaculture device 230 Filtration tank 240 Pump 250 First cooling water passage 260 Cooling water passage 261 Second cooling water passage 262 Third cooling water passage

Claims

1. A server cooling composition comprising water (A), a sugar alcohol (B), and a chelating agent (C) that suppresses the formation of deposits.

2. A server cooling system that uses a server cooling composition containing water (A) and a sugar alcohol (B), and includes a deposit suppression mechanism that suppresses the generation of deposits, wherein the deposit suppression mechanism is a fine bubble generator.

3. The server cooling composition according to claim 1, wherein the chelating agent (C) is tetrasodium N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)glutamate (GLDA).

4. The server cooling composition according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the content of the sugar alcohol (B) is 0.5% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less.

5. The server cooling composition according to any one of claims 1, 3, and 4, wherein the content of the chelating agent (C) is 0.05% by mass or more and 3% by mass or less.

6. A server cooling system using the server cooling composition described in any one of claims 1, 3 to 5.

7. The server cooling system according to claim 2 or 6, further comprising a sterilization device for sterilizing the server cooling composition.

8. The server cooling system according to claim 7, wherein the sterilization device is at least one of an ultraviolet sterilization device and a visible light sterilization device.

9. A server cooling system according to claim 8, wherein at least one of (i) and (ii) below: (i) the sterilization device is an ultraviolet sterilization device, and the server cooling composition further comprises an ultraviolet light-emitting component that emits light when irradiated with ultraviolet light, or (ii) the sterilization device is a visible light sterilization device, and the server cooling composition further comprises a visible light-emitting component that emits light when irradiated with visible light.

10. A server cooling system according to any one of claims 2, 6 to 9, further comprising an aquaponics device.

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