Cooling system and method for the temperature control of a computing center by means of a cooling system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data center cooling systems face challenges in achieving energy efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness across a wide range of operating conditions, with the energy-saving 'free cooling' mode being limited by waste heat amounts and ambient conditions.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system with a primary and secondary heat exchanger, where the secondary heat exchanger's cooling coils can switch between parallel and series connections, allowing for adaptable operation modes, and direct hydraulic connection between coolant circuits to optimize energy efficiency and reduce energy requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the compression refrigeration circuit is used to transport heat from the primary coolant circuit to the secondary coolant circuit, then the data center can be cooled under a wide range of operating conditions, but energy consumption increases due to the operation of the refrigerant compressor
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operating modes: using the compression refrigeration circuit when ambient conditions require it, and bypassing to free cooling mode when ambient conditions permit. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain reliable cooling across all conditions while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding compressor operation whenever possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters by switching the configuration of the secondary heat exchanger between parallel and series connections of the cooling coils. This parameter change enables adaptation to different ambient conditions, allowing the system to optimize the balance between cooling reliability and energy consumption based on external temperature and humidity parameters.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the compression refrigeration circuit is bypassed to save energy, then energy consumption decreases, but the operating range is limited by waste heat amounts and ambient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic switching between compression cooling mode and free cooling mode based on real-time ambient conditions and heat load. This dynamic operation expands the practical operating range by allowing free cooling to be used more extensively while maintaining the option to switch to compression mode when necessary, thereby increasing adaptability without sacrificing energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the configuration of the secondary heat exchanger (parallel vs. series connection of cooling coils), the system adapts its thermal characteristics to match different operating conditions. This parameter change enables the system to maintain effective free cooling operation across a broader range of ambient temperatures and humidity levels, expanding the operating range while preserving energy savings.
3Ease of operation
If the secondary heat exchanger operates with cooling coils connected in parallel, then the system is configured for one operating mode, but the heat transfer efficiency is suboptimal for other operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures the secondary heat exchanger by switching between parallel and series connections of the cooling coils based on operating mode. This dynamic reconfiguration optimizes heat transfer efficiency for each mode: parallel connection for compression cooling mode and series connection for free cooling mode, thereby minimizing energy loss in both operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the thermal parameters of the secondary heat exchanger by altering the flow path configuration (parallel vs. series). This parameter change optimizes the heat transfer coefficient and temperature distribution across the heat exchanger surfaces, maximizing heat transfer efficiency for the specific operating mode currently in use and reducing overall energy loss.
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 wider use of the energy-efficient 'free cooling' mode, reducing energy consumption and operating costs by enhancing heat transfer coefficients and allowing for more flexible operation, thus improving overall energy efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a primary heat exchanger which extracts heat from the data center and is embedded in a primary coolant circuit, and a secondary heat exchanger that emits heat to the environment
Implementation Method 2
a secondary heat exchanger that emits heat to the environment and is designed as a coolant-air heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
a secondary heat exchanger that emits heat to the environment
Implementation Method 4
a compression refrigerating machine circuit having a refrigerant compressor and a refrigerant expansion unit
Implementation Method 5
a compression refrigerating machine circuit having a refrigerant compressor and a refrigerant expansion unit can be connected between the primary coolant circuit and the secondary coolant circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cooling system (1) that is used for the temperature control of a computing center (R), which cooling system comprises: a primary heat exchanger (2), which draws heat from the computing center (R); and a secondary heat exchanger (4), which releases heat to the environment, is in the form of a coolant-to-air heat exchanger and has a housing (13), a fan (14), and two cooling registers (15) arranged in a V shape. The primary heat exchanger (2) is embedded into a coolant primary circuit (I), and the secondary heat exchanger (4) is embedded into a coolant secondary circuit (II), between which a vapor-compression refrigeration machine circuit (K), having a refrigerant compressor (8) and a refrigerant expansion unit (9), can be interposed. Heat is transferred from the coolant primary circuit (I) to the coolant secondary circuit (II), in a first operating mode, with the interposition of the vapor-compression refrigeration machine circuit (K) and, in a second operating mode, without the interposition of the vapor-compression refrigeration machine circuit (K). Flow is allowed through the cooling registers (15) of the secondary heat exchanger (4) in parallel connection in the first operation mode and in series connection in the second operating mode.