Dual position refrigeration piping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in-row cooling units require significant on-site modifications when converting from top to bottom entry piping, involving cutting and soldering, which is difficult and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
In-row cooling units with removably coupled through-pipes and couplers that allow for flexible entry configurations, enabling easy conversion between top and bottom entry without cutting existing piping, and the ability to replace refrigerant dryers without evacuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If top entry piping configuration is used, then cooling unit can be installed in data center, but conversion to bottom entry requires cutting and soldering which is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The piping system is divided into separate segments: a first segment extending from the evaporator to a first coupling device, and a second segment extending from the condenser to the first coupling device. This segmentation allows the segments to be independently installed and configured, enabling easy conversion between top and bottom entry configurations without cutting or soldering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling devices are designed to be selectively coupleable and uncoupleable, allowing the piping configuration to be dynamically changed on-site. The first coupling device can be uncoupled to disconnect the first and second segments, enabling reconfiguration from top entry to bottom entry or vice versa without permanent modifications.
2Reliability
If top entry piping is used, then cooling unit functions properly, but unit is difficult to get through normal-sized door during installation
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the piping into separate segments that can be independently handled, the installation process can be optimized. The segments can be routed through available openings and then connected on-site, facilitating passage through normal-sized doors while maintaining proper cooling unit functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The selectively coupleable coupling devices enable flexible installation configurations. The piping can be configured in different arrangements (top entry, bottom entry, or intermediate configurations) depending on the specific installation environment and door accessibility constraints.
3Ease of repair
If refrigerant dryer replacement is required, then system maintenance is needed, but evacuation of refrigerant is required which is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant dryer is extracted as a separate, independently replaceable component from the main refrigerant circuit. The coupling devices enable isolation of the dryer section, allowing it to be removed and replaced without requiring evacuation of the entire refrigerant system, significantly reducing maintenance time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling devices act as intermediaries that enable isolation of specific sections of the refrigerant system. By uncoupling the first coupling device, the refrigerant dryer can be accessed and replaced while the rest of the system remains pressurized and operational.
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
Facilitates easy installation and modification of in-row cooling units by allowing flexible entry configurations and refrigerant dryer replacement without evacuating refrigerant, reducing on-site complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator within the cabinet and configured to transfer heat within the cabinet to a two-phase refrigerant within the evaporator
Implementation Method 2
a two-phase refrigerant within the evaporator
Implementation Method 3
a compressor within the cabinet and fluidically coupled to the evaporator... the compressor can compress the two-phase refrigerant received from the evaporator
Implementation Method 4
a condenser external to the cabinet
Implementation Method 5
fluidically couple the evaporator to a condenser external to the cabinet
Data Source
AI summary
An in-row cooling unit can include a cabinet, an evaporator within the cabinet and configured to transfer heat within the cabinet to a two-phase refrigerant within the evaporator, a compressor within the cabinet and fluidically coupled to the evaporator, a first coupler configured to selectively fluidically couple the evaporator to a condenser external to the cabinet, a second coupler configured to selectively fluidically couple the compressor to the condenser, a first through-pipe configured to selectively fluidically couple the first coupler to the condenser through a top of the cabinet or a bottom of the cabinet, and a second through-pipe configured to selectively fluidically couple the second coupler to the condenser through the top of the cabinet or the bottom of the cabinet.