Data Center Refrigeration System with Dual Outdoor Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional chilled water systems for data centers have high energy consumption and poor energy saving, and they cannot continue refrigeration when an outdoor heat-dissipation module fails.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration system for data centers is designed with a main outdoor heat-dissipation module and an auxiliary outdoor heat-dissipation module, allowing for continuous refrigeration even if the main module fails. The system includes a first condenser and compressor for normal operation, and a second condenser and compressor for backup operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a traditional chilled water system is used for data center refrigeration, then the system structure is simple, but the energy consumption is high and energy saving is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration system is segmented into multiple independent outdoor heat-dissipation modules (first module with first condenser and first compressor, second module with second condenser and second compressor), each capable of operating independently. This segmentation allows the system to distribute refrigeration loads across multiple units, improving energy efficiency through optimized operation of individual modules while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Device complexity
If a traditional single outdoor heat-dissipation module is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability is poor when the module fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system is configured with a standby outdoor heat-dissipation module prepared in advance. When the primary module fails, the standby module can immediately take over without requiring system reconfiguration or external intervention, ensuring continuous refrigeration. This preliminary preparation of backup capacity resolves the contradiction by adding minimal complexity while maximizing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-module configuration provides a cushion against failure by having redundant capacity ready before any failure occurs. The second outdoor heat-dissipation module acts as a protective cushion that ensures system continuity, addressing the reliability concern without significantly increasing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If an auxiliary outdoor heat-dissipation module is added for backup, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second outdoor heat-dissipation modules are merged into a unified refrigeration system with shared control and refrigerant circulation pathways. This merging approach allows the system to achieve redundant reliability while minimizing the increase in complexity by consolidating common functions rather than maintaining completely separate 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
The system achieves continuous refrigeration, reduces energy consumption, and improves energy saving by seamlessly switching to the auxiliary module when the main module fails, ensuring no hot spots in the data center.
Implementation Method 1
a first compressor, in which an inlet of the first compressor is connected to an outlet of the indoor module, an outlet of the first compressor is connected to a gaseous refrigerant inlet of the first condenser
Implementation Method 2
a first condenser, in which an outlet of the first compressor is connected to a gaseous refrigerant inlet of the first condenser
Implementation Method 3
main outdoor heat-dissipation module including a first condenser and a first compressor
Implementation Method 4
refrigeration system includes: an indoor module; a main outdoor heat-dissipation module
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration system for a data center includes an indoor module, a main outdoor heat-dissipation module and an auxiliary outdoor heat-dissipation module, inlets of the first compressor and the second compressor are respectively connected to an outlet of the indoor module, outlets of the first compressor and the second compressor are respectively connected to a gaseous refrigerant inlet of the first condenser, liquid refrigerant outlets of the first condenser and the second condenser are respectively connected to an inlet of the indoor module, in which a refrigeration cycle passage for the data center is formed by the indoor module, the first condenser and the first compressor when the main outdoor heat-dissipation module is in a normal condition, and the refrigeration cycle passage for the data center is formed by the indoor module, the second condenser and the second compressor when the main outdoor heat-dissipation module fails.