Coolant Distribution Control With Baffles for Variable Cooling Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coolant-distributers are designed to operate under maximum expected loads and are not adjustable to efficiently handle varying numbers of connected cooling nodes, leading to inefficient operation and higher power consumption when fewer or more nodes are connected.
Innovation Solution
A system with a baffle and conduit design that adjusts flow rates and pressure-heads for varying numbers of cooling nodes, using control logic to iteratively activate and deactivate pumps based on sensor feedback, and incorporates reservoirs with baffles to prevent gas entrainment and cavitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional coolant-distributers are designed to operate under maximum expected loads, then optimal pressure-head and flow-rates are delivered when fully populated, but pumps operate less efficiently and consume higher power when fewer cooling nodes are connected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of pump operating parameters (speed, flow rate, pressure) based on the actual number of connected cooling nodes. The control system continuously monitors system conditions and adjusts pump operation in real-time, transitioning from static maximum-load design to dynamic adaptive operation that optimizes efficiency across varying loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control mechanisms where sensors monitor pressure, flow rate, and temperature conditions, and this information is fed back to the control system. The controller uses this feedback to adjust pump operation, enabling the system to adapt to varying numbers of cooling nodes and maintain optimal efficiency rather than operating at fixed maximum settings.
2Productivity
If pumps are selected to operate efficiently at maximum load, then optimal performance is achieved when 42 cooling nodes are connected, but efficiency decreases when more or fewer nodes are connected
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts coolant distribution parameters based on the actual number of active cooling nodes. Rather than being fixed for maximum load, the pump operation, flow distribution, and pressure regulation adapt in real-time to maintain optimal efficiency whether 1 node or 42 nodes are connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant distributer system is designed to universally handle various cooling node configurations (from 1 to 42 nodes) through a single adaptable platform. The control system provides multi-functionality by adjusting its operation mode based on the number of connected nodes, eliminating the need for different pump configurations for different loads.
3Stress or pressure
If coolant-distributers are designed for fixed maximum load configurations, then optimal pressure of about 12 psi is delivered to 42 cooling nodes, but pressure becomes too-high or too-low when fewer or more nodes are connected
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure sensors monitor the actual coolant pressure in the system, and this feedback is used by the control system to adjust pump operation. When fewer than 42 nodes are connected, the system reduces pressure to prevent excessive pressure buildup; when more nodes are connected, it increases pressure to maintain adequate flow, keeping pressure within optimal ranges regardless of node count.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operating parameters (pressure, flow rate, pump speed) based on the number of connected cooling nodes. The control system adjusts these parameters in real-time to maintain optimal pressure levels, transitioning from fixed pressure design to adaptive parameter control that responds to varying system conditions.
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
Ensures efficient coolant distribution across a range of cooling node configurations, preventing gas entrainment and cavitation, and optimizing flow rates and pressure-heads for each node, thereby enhancing system efficiency and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
incorporates reservoirs with baffles to prevent gas entrainment and cavitation
Implementation Method 2
incorporates reservoirs with baffles to prevent gas entrainment and cavitation
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of liquid operational systems are described. According to one aspect, a system to automatically fill a liquid operational component is described. According to another aspect, a self-diagnostic system is described. According to yet another aspect, a flow conditioning arrangement is described. A control system for a heat-transfer system includes a plurality of sensors. Each sensor is configured to observe an operational parameter indicative of a thermodynamic quantity and to emit a signal containing information corresponding to the observed operational parameter. Control logic includes a processing unit and instructions stored on a memory that, when executed by the processing unit, cause the control logic to determine a first thermodynamic quantity associated with each sensor from information contained in a signal from the respective sensor; determine a second thermodynamic quantity associated with each sensor from information contained in a signal received from at least one other sensor in the plurality of sensors; compare the first thermodynamic quantity with the second thermodynamic quantity; and responsive to the comparison of the first thermodynamic quantity with the second thermodynamic quantity, output a control signal.