Edge Data Center Geothermal Cooling With Thermosiphon Heat Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Edge data centers face challenges in providing high-density cooling, especially in remote environments where electricity distribution is difficult, necessitating a more efficient and scalable cooling solution.
Innovation Solution
An edge data center system incorporating a heat exchanger coupled to computing equipment via a thermosiphon, a fluid reservoir underground for geothermal cooling, and a pump to circulate cooling fluid, with a pump controller adjusting speed based on environmental and workload conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cooling systems are used in edge data centers, then cooling can be provided, but electricity distribution becomes difficult in remote environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses geothermal energy from the earth to cool the data center equipment. The ground acts as a natural heat sink, eliminating the need for external electricity-powered cooling infrastructure. The thermosiphon system enables passive heat rejection to the ground, making the cooling system self-sufficient and independent of external power distribution networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces active mechanical cooling systems (which require electricity) with a passive thermosiphon-based geothermal cooling system. The thermosiphon uses natural convection and phase change of the working fluid to transfer heat from equipment to the ground, substituting mechanical compressors and fans with thermodynamic principles.
2Temperature
If high density cooling is provided in remote environments, then cooling performance improves, but system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the heat directly from the equipment and transfers it to the ground through thermosiphons, eliminating the need for complex centralized cooling infrastructure. Each equipment or rack can have its own thermosiphon system, decentralizing the cooling function and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground itself serves as the cooling medium, eliminating the need for external chillers, cooling towers, or refrigerant loops. The earth's natural thermal properties provide the cooling function, dramatically simplifying the infrastructure required for high-density cooling in remote locations.
3Use of energy by moving object
If passive cooling methods are used, then energy consumption decreases, but cooling capacity and performance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the thermal parameters of the cooling approach by utilizing the ground's temperature profile at different depths. By burying thermosiphon loops at optimal depths and configurations, the system accesses more favorable ground temperatures that enhance cooling capacity while maintaining passive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from surface-level or air-based cooling to subsurface ground-based cooling. By moving the heat rejection medium from air to ground and utilizing the third dimension (burial depth), the system achieves superior cooling capacity through the ground's higher heat capacity and more stable temperature profile.
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
Enhances cooling efficiency and performance by leveraging geothermal cooling, optimizing resource use through adaptive pump speed adjustments, and preventing overheating of computing equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger coupled to the computing equipment via a thermosiphon
Implementation Method 2
a fluid reservoir positioned underground below the edge data center container, wherein the fluid reservoir is configured for geothermal cooling
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and products for edge data center integrated geothermal cooling include an edge data center container including: computing equipment, and a heat exchanger coupled to the computing equipment via a thermosiphon; a fluid reservoir positioned underground below the edge data center container, wherein the fluid reservoir is configured for geothermal cooling; and a pump configured to circulate cooling fluid between the fluid reservoir and the heat exchanger.