Cooling Device Parameter Control for Precise Capacity Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data centers, managing heat generated by electronic equipment is critical due to increased power consumption and density, which existing cooling systems struggle to efficiently address, particularly in optimizing cooling capacity and efficiency across varying operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for controlling cooling devices by calculating and selecting optimal operating parameters, including evaporating temperature, pressure, and enthalpy calculations, to match desired cooling capacities, using ε-NTU, pressure, and enthalpy calculations to determine and adjust refrigerant flow and evaporator efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cooling capacity is increased to handle higher heat loads from dense electronic equipment, then heat management effectiveness improves, but energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts refrigerant flow rate and evaporating temperature based on real-time cooling demands and ambient conditions. The controller continuously monitors parameters and modifies operating points to match actual heat loads, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining adequate cooling capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key operating parameters including refrigerant flow rate, evaporating temperature, and superheat degree to optimize cooling efficiency. By adjusting these parameters based on ambient temperature and heat load conditions, the system achieves effective heat management across varying operational scenarios without excessive energy use.
2Reliability
If cooling capacity is increased to meet higher thermal loads, then cooling effectiveness improves, but adaptability to varying operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously adapts to varying operating conditions by monitoring ambient temperature, heat load demands, and system performance parameters. It dynamically adjusts refrigerant flow rate and evaporating temperature to maintain optimal cooling effectiveness across different scenarios, from low to high thermal loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control by monitoring actual cooling performance and comparing it with desired setpoints. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts refrigerant flow and temperature parameters to maintain effective cooling regardless of changing ambient conditions or heat load variations, thereby improving adaptability while preserving cooling effectiveness.
3Measurement precision
If precise control of operating parameters is implemented to match desired cooling capacities, then cooling precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical control mechanisms with electronic sensing and digital control algorithms. Sensors monitor temperature and pressure parameters, while a controller executes calculation algorithms to determine optimal refrigerant flow rates and evaporating temperatures, achieving precise cooling capacity control through software rather than complex mechanical adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves precise cooling capacity control by calculating and adjusting key parameters including refrigerant flow rate, evaporating temperature, and superheat degree. These parameter changes are computed based on desired cooling capacities and ambient conditions, enabling accurate temperature control without requiring complex mechanical control 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
This approach allows for precise control of cooling devices to meet desired cooling capacities, enhancing heat management efficiency and adaptability to changing conditions, thereby improving the reliability and longevity of electronic equipment.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator configured to cool air using a refrigerant
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of controlling a cooling device comprising receiving an indication of a desired cooling capacity, providing a plurality of possible sets of operating parameters, determining a plurality of sets of estimated cooling outputs, each set of estimated cooling outputs corresponding to a respective one set of the plurality of possible sets of operating parameters, and selecting one set of operating parameters from the plurality of possible sets of operating parameters, the one set of operating parameters corresponding to a set of estimated cooling outputs of the plurality of sets of estimated cooling outputs that matches the desired cooling capacity. Other embodiments and apparatuses are disclosed.