Cooling Flow Temperature Control for Energy-Efficient Server Racks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for electrical devices in switch cabinets or racks face challenges in achieving energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cooling, as they often require high cooling power and energy consumption, especially in densely packed server environments.
Innovation Solution
A control method that dynamically adjusts the flow temperature of the cooling medium based on the cooling capacity requirement, using a main reference variable formed from the cooling capacity demand, allowing for precise matching of cooling power to the need, with adaptive adjustments made possible by PID control and the use of free cooling devices, ensuring efficient energy use and optimal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high cooling power is provided to densely packed server environments, then the cooling capacity requirement is met, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the cooling medium flow temperature based on real-time cooling capacity requirements. The control device continuously monitors the cooling demand and adjusts the flow temperature accordingly, transitioning from static to dynamic operation to match cooling supply with actual demand and reduce energy waste
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow temperature parameter of the cooling medium as a function of the cooling capacity requirement. By varying this key parameter dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed temperature, the system optimizes energy efficiency while meeting different cooling demands in densely packed server environments
2Power
If cooling power is increased to meet high cooling demands, then cooling capacity is sufficient, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a control device that receives information about the cooling capacity requirement and uses this feedback to adjust the flow temperature of the cooling medium. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that cooling power is optimized according to actual demand, preventing energy loss from over-cooling while maintaining sufficient cooling capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static cooling power provision to dynamic adjustment based on real-time feedback. The flow temperature is continuously adapted to match cooling demands, enabling the system to maintain high cooling capacity when needed while minimizing energy loss during periods of lower demand
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 enables efficient energy use by matching cooling power to demand, maintaining desired server supply air temperatures, and utilizing environmentally friendly cooling methods, such as free cooling, to reduce overall energy consumption and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling device (10) with several cooling units (11, 12, 13) through which a liquid cooling medium flows, by means of which cooling down of the cooling medium takes place
Implementation Method 2
cooling built-in electrical devices accommodated in switch cabinets or racks by means of cooling units assigned to them
Implementation Method 3
through which a liquid cooling medium, cooled down by means of a cooling device of the cooling system, flows
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for regulating a cooling system for cooling electrical built-in devices housed in control panels or racks by means of cooling units (11, 12, 13) assigned thereto, through which a liquid cooling medium, cooled down from a return temperature to a flow temperature by means of a cooling apparatus (20) of the cooling system flows, wherein a cooling power for cooling the built-in devices can be regulated by a primary reference variable according to specification. Energy-efficient cooling is achieved according to the invention in that the flow temperature is variably adjusted according to a cooling power demand in the region of the built-in devices, wherein the primary reference variable is formed from the cooling power demand in the region of the built-in devices.