Closed-loop cooling system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data centers face inefficiencies in cooling systems, with air conditioning units consuming more than half of the total power, limiting their ability to support high-density computing systems due to inadequate cooling capacity.
Innovation Solution
A water-based closed-loop cooling system that utilizes naturally cold water as a heat sink in heat exchange systems, reducing power consumption by circulating water through heat exchangers to absorb heat from computer systems, thereby maintaining suitable operating temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air conditioning units are used to cool computer systems, then cooling capacity is provided, but power consumption increases significantly (accounting for more than half of total power consumed)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces water as an intermediary cooling medium that transfers heat from computer systems more efficiently than air conditioning units. The water-based cooling system acts as a mediator between the heat-generating computer systems and the external environment, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining effective cooling capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical air conditioning system with a water-based thermal conduction system. Instead of using mechanical refrigeration cycles, the patent utilizes water's high specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity to directly absorb and transport heat away from computer systems, eliminating the need for energy-intensive air conditioning machinery.
2Temperature
If air conditioning units are used to maintain operating temperatures, then cooling is provided, but device complexity increases due to the need for extensive cooling infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic cooling system where water circulates through pipes and heat exchangers to remove heat from computer systems. This liquid-based thermal management approach is simpler and more efficient than the complex mechanical air conditioning infrastructure, utilizing fluid dynamics and thermal conduction principles to maintain operating temperatures.
3Temperature
If traditional air conditioning systems are used, then cooling is provided, but cooling efficiency decreases due to energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal management parameter from air-based cooling to water-based cooling. Water's superior thermal properties (higher specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity) enable more efficient heat transfer, reducing energy loss during the cooling process while maintaining effective temperature control of computer systems.
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 system significantly reduces power consumption and enhances cooling efficiency, enabling the support of high-density computing systems by leveraging natural water resources, thus addressing the inefficiencies of traditional air conditioning units.
Implementation Method 1
a single or plurality of heat exchangers; wherein the single or plurality of water pumps are caused to pump water in through the water intake pipes and out through the water exhaust pipes; and wherein the coolant distribution unit is caused to circulate stored coolant through the coolant heat exchange pipes
Implementation Method 2
such that the circulated cold water is caused to absorb heat from the circulated coolant through the single or plurality of heat exchangers
Implementation Method 3
a single or plurality of water pumps; wherein the single or plurality of water pumps are caused to pump water in through the water intake pipes and out through the water exhaust pipes
Data Source
AI summary
A water-based closed-loop cooling system employed to cool waterborne data center facility generally comprise a plurality of filtered water intake pipes, a plurality of filtered water exhaust pipes, a plurality of heat exchangers, a plurality of closed-loop cooling systems or closed-loop coolant distribution units that may use freshwater as a coolant, and a plurality of piping systems. The energy-efficient water based closed-loop cooling system and method described may use naturally occurring cold water as a heat sink in a plurality of heat exchange systems. The systems and methods described in this document may be employed to provide an energy-efficient water-based closed-loop cooling system to maintain interior ambient conditions suitable for proper operation of the plurality of computer systems therein.