Cooling Module Automatic RDU Identification via Pump Pressure Signatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data center cooling systems face challenges in automatically identifying cooling modules (CMs) connected to specific refrigerant distribution units (RDUs), leading to manual configuration requirements, increased time for commissioning, and potential human errors, as well as difficulties in troubleshooting and alerting incorrect configurations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where RDUs and CMs communicate over a common control area network (CAN) bus to perform an identification sequence using unique pumping pressure signatures, duration, and cycle counts, allowing CMs to automatically identify and assign to the correct RDU, with features like periodic re-sending of requests and triggering of alarms for incorrect assignments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual configuration methods are used to identify cooling modules connected to refrigerant distribution units, then system setup can be completed with basic equipment, but commissioning time increases and human errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling module autonomously performs identification by automatically transmitting requests on the CAN bus, measuring pump signatures from connected RDUs, and determining its parent RDU without manual intervention. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual configuration while reducing commissioning time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with an automated electronic identification system using CAN bus communication and pump signature analysis. The electronic automated system substitutes the manual mechanical approach, reducing time and errors.
2Measurement precision
If automated identification using pump signatures is implemented, then commissioning time decreases and accuracy improves, but communication and measurement systems become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The CAN bus serves as an intermediary communication medium between cooling modules and refrigerant distribution units. It enables automated exchange of identification requests and pump signature data without requiring complex point-to-point wiring, thus improving identification accuracy while managing communication complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses variable pump operating parameters (pressure, flow rate, duration) as unique signatures for each RDU. By measuring these dynamic parameters instead of static identifiers, the system achieves high identification accuracy. The cooling module measures pressure and flow characteristics during brief test cycles to uniquely identify its parent RDU.
3Reliability
If cooling modules continuously send identification requests, then assignment accuracy improves, but energy consumption and network traffic increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling module sends identification requests at periodic intervals rather than continuously. This periodic approach maintains reliable assignment by repeatedly verifying RDU connectivity while significantly reducing energy consumption and CAN bus traffic compared to continuous requesting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification during system startup and preliminary assignment before full operation begins. This preliminary action ensures correct RDU-CM pairing is established before the cooling module consumes significant energy, reducing the need for continuous verification requests during normal operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods to facilitate the configuration of a cooling system including at least one the refrigerant distribution unit and cooling module. In one example, a method of configuring a cooling system comprises transmitting one or more signature parameters of a first pump pressure signature from a first refrigerant distribution unit to a cooling module, transmitting one or more identification parameters from the first refrigerant distribution unit to the cooling module, assigning the cooling module to the first refrigerant distribution unit responsive to the one or more identification parameters matching the one or more signature parameters.