Active Coolant Distribution Device with Flow Generators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional liquid-cooled systems with open-loop manifolds suffer from uneven flow rate distribution due to pressure drops caused by frictional loss, local loss, and elevation changes, leading to insufficient coolant delivery to heat sources, which affects performance and lifespan.

Innovation Solution

An active coolant distribution device with a manifold incorporating flow generators in primary pipes and branches, which compensates for pressure drops by providing additional pressure, ensuring uniform coolant distribution across all branches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conventional open-loop manifold is used to distribute coolant, then the system structure is simple, but the flow rate distribution becomes uneven due to pressure drop

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanifold structureVSAvoidflow rate distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The manifold is divided into multiple independent flow channels, each equipped with its own flow generator. This segmentation allows each channel to independently control and maintain its flow rate, eliminating the cumulative pressure drop effect that causes uneven distribution in conventional single-channel manifolds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Flow generators are installed in advance within the manifold channels to preemptively compensate for pressure drops before they affect flow distribution. The flow generators pre-establish the necessary pressure to maintain uniform flow rates throughout the system, preventing the deterioration of flow distribution that would otherwise occur with distance from the inlet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Length of stationary object

If liquid flows through long channels in conventional manifold, then the system can cover large area, but pressure drop increases causing insufficient coolant delivery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel lengthVSAvoidcoolant flow rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Flow generators act as intermediary devices inserted within the coolant flow path. These intermediaries actively add energy to the flowing coolant, compensating for the energy losses due to friction and elevation changes, thereby maintaining sufficient flow rates throughout the extended channel network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If flow generators are added to compensate pressure drop, then flow rate distribution becomes uniform, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate distribution uniformityVSAvoidmanifold structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow generators are merged into the manifold structure itself, with each flow generator integrated directly into its corresponding channel. This integration reduces the need for separate external flow control devices and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining uniform flow distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The manifold serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes coolant to multiple channels, houses the flow generators, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite the addition of flow generators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 maintains consistent flow rates throughout the system, reducing pressure drop-related issues and ensuring sufficient coolant reaches all heat sources, thereby enhancing performance and extending server lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

providing an active flow compensation, thereby maintaining a flow rate of the coolant that is substantially uniformly distributed among all of the branches B

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure compensation: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20220159870A1Active coolant distribution device and electronic apparatus having the same

Publication Date: 2022.05.19 WISTRON CORP

AI summary

The disclosed embodiments relate to an active coolant distribution device and an electronic apparatus, where the active coolant distribution device includes a manifold including a first and second primary pipes and branches. At least one of the first and second primary pipes is suitable for accommodating the flow generator. The second primary pipe includes a first hollow post and a first and second inner wall portions. The first hollow post has first liquid inlets. The first and second inner wall portions form a first channel, a second channel, and an accommodation space inside the first hollow post. The first inner wall portion has converging port, the second inner wall portion has ejecting port, the first channel is located between the first liquid inlets and the converging port and connected to the accommodation space, the ejecting port is connected to the accommodation space and the second channel.