Cooling apparatus, system and method of manufacture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vapour-compression refrigeration systems used in data centres consume significant electrical power and require frequent maintenance, leading to high operational costs and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A cooling apparatus comprising a housing with two liquids of different densities and boiling points, where heat is transferred to evaporate the first liquid, forming vapour that interacts with the second liquid to create fluid flow, driving independent energy dissipating members to transfer heat externally, reducing the need for electrical power and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If vapour-compression refrigeration systems are used to cool data centres, then the temperature can be controlled, but significant electrical power is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical vapour-compression system with a passive thermosyphon system that uses natural convection and phase change of liquid metal (gallium) to transfer heat. The system eliminates compressors, fans, and other mechanical components by relying on buoyancy-driven fluid circulation, thereby eliminating electrical power consumption while maintaining effective heat transfer and temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is designed to be self-regulating through natural convection currents. When the data centre temperature rises, the liquid metal automatically circulates to transfer heat to the heat exchanger, and when the temperature drops, the circulation naturally reduces. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external power control systems while maintaining stable temperature control.
2Temperature
If vapour-compression refrigeration systems are used, then cooling can be provided, but frequent maintenance is required
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical components (compressors, condensers, expansion valves) with a passive thermosyphon system, the patent eliminates parts that require maintenance. The system has no moving parts, no seals to leak, and no components subject to wear, thereby eliminating the need for frequent maintenance while continuing to provide effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a sealed container filled with liquid metal that is designed to last the lifetime of the data centre equipment. Rather than maintaining complex mechanical systems, the entire cooling unit can be replaced as a single disposable component if needed, simplifying the maintenance model from frequent repairs to occasional replacement.
3Temperature
If vapour-compression refrigeration systems are used, then high temperature air can be cooled, but high operational costs result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the energy-intensive vapour-compression system with a passive heat transfer system that uses only the thermal energy already present in the data centre environment. The liquid metal absorbs heat from the high-temperature air through natural convection and transfers it to the heat exchanger, eliminating the need for electrical power and thereby eliminating operational energy costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the high temperature of the data centre air, which is normally a problem to be overcome by energy-consuming cooling, into a useful resource. The liquid metal thermosyphon system efficiently captures and transfers this thermal energy, turning the heat that would otherwise require active cooling into a manageable thermal flow that can be dissipated passively.
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 cooling apparatus effectively cools data centres with minimal electrical energy consumption and reduced maintenance needs, offering an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanging apparatus to transfer heat to the first liquid to evaporate the first liquid to form a first liquid vapour
Implementation Method 2
the independent energy dissipating members move in response to a fluid flow created by the interaction of the first liquid vapour and the second liquid
Implementation Method 3
the independent energy dissipating members move in response to a fluid flow created by the interaction of the first liquid vapour and the second liquid and transfer heat to a volume external to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling apparatus is disclosed. The cooling apparatus comprises a housing, a first liquid and a second liquid located within the housing. The first liquid has a higher density and lower boiling point than the second liquid. The cooling apparatus further comprises a heat exchanging apparatus to transfer heat to the first liquid to evaporate the first liquid to form a first liquid vapour. The cooling apparatus also comprises a plurality of independent energy dissipating members that extend through the housing. These members move in response to a fluid flow created by the interaction of the first liquid vapour and the second liquid and transfer heat to a volume external to the housing. The cooling apparatus can cool a body whilst drawing minimal or even no electrical power. As such the cooling apparatus is environmentally friendly and cheaper to operate.