Acoustic Cooling Block for Compact Datacenter Rack Liquid Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid cooling systems for datacenter server racks require large and costly piping configurations and pumps, occupying significant space and increasing operational expenses.
Innovation Solution
A cooling block with integrated acoustic wave generators to induce vibrations in the cooling fluid, enhancing thermal exchanges by reducing boundary layers and increasing turbulence, thereby optimizing cooling efficiency without the need for extensive infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional liquid cooling systems use large piping configurations and pumps to service server racks, then cooling capacity is sufficient, but system footprint and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies acoustic wave generators (vibrations elements) to generate vibrations in the cooling liquid within the fluid conduit. These vibrations create turbulence and reduce boundary layers, enhancing thermal exchange efficiency between the cooling liquid and heat-generating components, thereby improving cooling capacity without requiring larger piping or pumps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and flow characteristics of the cooling liquid by introducing acoustic vibrations. This alters the liquid's flow regime from laminar to turbulent, changing heat transfer parameters and improving thermal exchange efficiency without modifying the physical infrastructure
2Productivity
If conventional liquid cooling systems use large pumps to maintain necessary liquid flow rates, then cooling efficiency is maintained, but operating costs and initial investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
Acoustic wave generators create vibrations in the cooling liquid that enhance thermal exchange efficiency. This allows the system to achieve better cooling performance with lower flow rates, reducing the energy required by pumps and thereby lowering operating costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical flow enhancement (large pumps) with acoustic field application. The acoustic vibrations provide the necessary flow disturbance and heat transfer enhancement without requiring high-power mechanical pumping, thus reducing energy consumption
3Productivity
If acoustic wave generators are used to enhance thermal exchanges, then cooling efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic wave generators are integrated directly into the cooling block structure, merging the vibration generation function with the thermal exchange component. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity compared to adding separate vibration devices to existing cooling infrastructure
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution improves cooling efficiency and reduces the footprint and cost of liquid cooling systems by enhancing thermal exchanges between the cooling liquid and air, allowing for more compact and cost-effective datacenter operations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one acoustic wave generator, called vibrations element, configured to generate a field of vibrations of the cooling liquid in the fluid conduit, called vibrations area
Implementation Method 2
the flow of the cooling liquid is locally changed, which helps a reduction of the boundary layer and/or increases local turbulences in the liquid flow, and, consequently, enhances the thermal exchanges between the cooling liquid and the air
Implementation Method 3
increases local turbulences in the liquid flow, and, consequently, enhances the thermal exchanges
Implementation Method 4
a body having an external surface, called thermal transfer surface, configured to be placed in thermal contact with the heat-generating electronic component
Data Source
AI summary
The instant disclosure relates to a cooling block for cooling a heat-generating electronic component, comprising: a body having an external surface, called thermal transfer surface, configured to be placed in thermal contact with the heat-generating electronic component, the body defining a fluid conduit for circulating a cooling fluid therein, the fluid conduit having at least an inlet for receiving the cooling fluid and at least an outlet for discharging the cooling fluid, the cooling block further comprising at least one acoustic wave generator, called vibrations element, configured to generate a field of vibrations of the cooling liquid in the fluid conduit, called vibrations area.