Refrigerant distribution device, cooling system, and refrigerant distribution method in refrigerant distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In refrigerant distribution systems for data centers, the fixed supply of refrigerant liquid can lead to inefficiencies as it does not adjust to phase changes in heat receivers, causing the refrigerant to not boil easily and reducing heat transportation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant distribution device with a float-type flow channel switching valve that adjusts the passage of refrigerant liquid between two outflow pipes based on the liquid level in the heat receiver, ensuring a fixed amount of refrigerant is maintained and preventing inefficiencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed amount of refrigerant liquid is supplied from the heat radiator, then the refrigerant distribution system is simple to operate, but the refrigerant liquid does not easily boil in the heat receiver due to excessive weight, reducing heat transportation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a fixed refrigerant supply system to a dynamic control system using a flow channel switching valve. The valve automatically adjusts the refrigerant supply based on liquid level detection, enabling the system to adapt refrigerant quantity to actual heat reception needs, thereby maintaining optimal boiling conditions and heat transportation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through a liquid level detection mechanism that monitors the refrigerant level in the heat receiver and provides signals to the flow channel switching valve. This feedback loop ensures the refrigerant supply is continuously adjusted to maintain the appropriate liquid level, preventing both overflow and insufficient supply, thus optimizing heat transportation efficiency.
2Productivity
If a flow channel switching valve is provided to adjust refrigerant supply, then heat transportation efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by designing a flow channel switching valve that automatically controls refrigerant supply based on liquid level feedback without requiring external intervention. The system self-regulates the refrigerant flow to maintain optimal conditions in the heat receiver, achieving efficient heat transportation while minimizing the need for complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with a more streamlined mechanism where the flow channel switching valve is directly actuated by liquid level detection. This substitution simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to dynamically adjust refrigerant supply for optimal heat transportation efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If refrigerant liquid overflows in the distribution vessel, then the refrigerant can be redistributed to subsequent heat receivers, but the heat reception efficiency in the current heat receiver decreases due to excessive refrigerant weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively controlling refrigerant supply before overflow occurs. The flow channel switching valve, actuated by liquid level detection, prevents excessive refrigerant accumulation in the heat receiver by switching flow channels in advance, thereby maintaining optimal heat reception efficiency while enabling smooth redistribution to subsequent receivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback control to monitor liquid levels in real-time and adjust refrigerant supply accordingly. This feedback mechanism prevents overflow by detecting when the liquid level approaches the maximum threshold and automatically switching the flow channel, thus maintaining heat reception efficiency while enabling adaptive redistribution to subsequent heat receivers.
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 configuration maintains a consistent refrigerant level in heat receivers, preventing boiling issues and enhancing heat reception efficiency by automatically switching between outflow pipes as needed.
Implementation Method 1
a float type flow channel switching valve that is disposed in the distribution vessel and operates depending on a level of the refrigerant liquid in the distribution vessel
Implementation Method 2
a cooling system that exhausts heat using a phase change cycle including evaporation and condensation of a refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
a phase change cycle including evaporation and condensation of a refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
a phase change cycle including evaporation and condensation of a refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerant distribution device includes: a distribution vessel in which a refrigerant liquid flows; a refrigerant inflow pipe connected to a top portion of the distribution vessel and supplied with a refrigerant liquid; a first refrigerant outflow pipe and a second refrigerant outflow pipe connected to a bottom portion of the distribution vessel to discharge the refrigerant liquid; and a float channel switching valve that floats in the refrigerant liquid in the distribution vessel. The flow channel switching valve switches a passage to the first refrigerant outflow pipe when an amount of the refrigerant liquid in one heat receiver does not reach a reference amount of liquid, and cuts off the passage communicating with the first refrigerant outflow pipe and switches the passage to the second refrigerant outflow pipe when the amount of the refrigerant liquid in the one heat receiver reaches the reference amount of liquid.