Data Center Cooling System with Simplified Coolant Temperature Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional data center cooling systems are complex and costly due to the need for precise control of multiple environmental variables, including air supply temperature, air flow, chilled coolant supply temperature, and room humidity, which increases installation and operational expenses and requires frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A simplified data center cooling system that maintains coolant temperature between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius, eliminating the need for variable flow control valves and their controllers, and using a building management system to control the coolant temperature and flow, thereby reducing system complexity and maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional cooling systems use multiple control mechanisms for air supply temperature, air flow, chilled coolant supply temperature, and room humidity, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes multiple control mechanisms (variable flow control valves, their controllers, and associated control systems) from the cooling system, retaining only the essential chiller and building management system components. This extraction reduces device complexity while preserving temperature control functionality through centralized BMS management.
Solution Approach 2:
The building management system is designed to perform multiple functions: monitoring coolant temperature, controlling chiller operation, managing air flow, and maintaining room humidity. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate specialized controls, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive temperature control precision.
2Measurement precision
If traditional cooling systems include variable flow control valves and controllers, then flow control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes variable flow control valves and their controllers from the system, eliminating components that require frequent calibration, adjustment, and maintenance. Flow control is achieved passively through the chiller's centralized control, significantly improving ease of operation and reducing maintenance burden.
3Measurement precision
If traditional cooling systems use multiple control components, then control precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing multiple control components (valves, controllers, sensors) that require individual maintenance attention, the patent reduces the total time needed for system maintenance. The simplified architecture with centralized BMS control means fewer parts to inspect, calibrate, and repair.
4Measurement precision
If traditional cooling systems use multiple control mechanisms, then temperature control precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates expensive control components such as variable flow control valves and their associated controllers, reducing material costs and installation expenses. The simplified system requires fewer precision-manufactured parts while maintaining temperature control precision through centralized chiller management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces expensive, complex control mechanisms with simpler, more cost-effective components that can be easily replaced if needed. The building management system uses standard, readily available hardware and software rather than specialized expensive control equipment.
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 simplifies the cooling system, decreases maintenance and operational costs, while maintaining efficient temperature control within the data center, and allows for more reliable and cost-effective data center cooling operations.
Implementation Method 1
a coolant chilling unit, disposed as a load on the closed circuit of piping, that brings a temperature of the coolant to between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius
Implementation Method 2
an air cooling unit, disposed as a load on the closed circuit of piping, wherein the coolant flows directly from the coolant chilling unit to the air cooling unit... the air cooling unit comprising: a heat transfer surface that brings the flowing coolant into thermal contact with air in the data center
Data Source
AI summary
Approaches presented herein enable cooling a data center with a cooling system having a relatively high coolant temperature. This cooling system is controlled by a building management system and includes piping through which coolant flows, an air cooling unit in thermal contact with the coolant, and a chiller to cool the coolant to a temperature between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius as instructed by the building management system. The building management system uses a chiller controller to vary the chilling of coolant within a range of 18-22 degrees Celsius, thereby controlling the air temperature within the data center to within a required temperature range. Because the building management system maintains the coolant temperature to 18-22 degrees Celsius, the cooling system can be simplified by excluding typical cooling system components such as variable flow control valves and their controllers. This simplification decreases the need for maintenance and reduces operating cost.