Flow Path Module for Server Coolant Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing server cooling systems with water-cooling designs face challenges in detecting blockages or leaks in the water-cooling plates without consuming extra power and requiring modifications to the server's mainboard, as the internal state of the closed pipeline structure cannot be visually inspected or easily measured.
Innovation Solution
A flow path module with adjustable flow resistance, featuring a pipeline structure and flow resistance elements, including a valve body and monitor section, allows for the detection of coolant flow deviations, enabling the monitoring of heat exchange element states without a power-consuming detection circuit, by adjusting flow resistance to maintain a predetermined coolant flux.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a detection circuit is used to detect whether the water-cooling plate leaks, then the detection capability is improved, but the power consumption increases and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing coolant flow and pump to perform detection functions. The pump's normal operation creates pressure differences that can be measured to detect blockages or leaks, eliminating the need for separate power-consuming detection circuits. The coolant circulation system serves both cooling and detection purposes simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure sensors are used as intermediaries to detect changes in coolant flow conditions. Instead of directly monitoring coolant flow or temperature changes that would require complex circuits, pressure sensors provide a simple mechanical/electrical interface that translates flow conditions into detectable signals without significant power consumption.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a detection circuit is used to detect whether the water-cooling plate leaks, then the detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing pump and coolant circulation system are designed to perform multiple functions: primary cooling and secondary detection. By utilizing the same components for both cooling and detection, the system avoids adding separate detection circuits, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant circulation system detects its own state by monitoring pressure differences created during normal operation. The system uses itself (the coolant flow and pump) to generate the detection signals, eliminating the need for external detection equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the internal state of the water-cooling plate is examined by testing flow resistance or taking X-ray photographs, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of time increases and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process occurs continuously during normal coolant circulation without interrupting the cooling function. Pressure sensors continuously monitor the system state, enabling real-time detection of blockages or leaks without requiring shutdowns or separate testing procedures that would consume additional time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by continuously monitoring its own operational parameters during normal cooling cycles. The coolant flow and pressure conditions that exist during normal operation are used to detect abnormalities, eliminating the need for separate testing procedures that would require system shutdown and additional time.
4Measurement precision
If the internal state of the water-cooling plate is examined by testing flow resistance or taking X-ray photographs, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant circulation system serves dual purposes: primary cooling and secondary detection. By using the same coolant flow and pressure conditions for both cooling and detection, the system achieves measurement capability without adding separate testing equipment or complex detection apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure sensors act as simple intermediaries that translate complex internal flow conditions into easily measurable pressure differences. This approach provides accurate detection of blockages or leaks without requiring complex X-ray equipment or sophisticated testing apparatus, thereby maintaining system simplicity.
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
Enables non-invasive detection of heat exchange element abnormalities, such as blockages or leaks, by monitoring coolant flux, allowing for timely replacement without the need for additional power-consuming detection circuits or server design modifications.
Implementation Method 1
A flow resistance of the flow resistance element is adapted to be adjusted corresponding to a flow resistance of the heat exchange element
Implementation Method 2
the heat generated by a heating element of the server is transferred to a water-cooling plate, and the water-cooling plate is connected to a coolant distribution device through a coolant pipeline, so that a coolant may be circulated between the water-cooling plate and the coolant distribution device to continuously dissipate heat
Data Source
AI summary
A flow path module, adapted to a heat exchange element and a coolant and including a pipeline structure and at least one flow resistance element, is provided. The pipeline structure is adapted to be connected to the heat exchange element. The flow resistance element is disposed in the pipeline structure, and the coolant flows through the heat exchange element from the pipeline structure. A flow resistance of the flow resistance element is adapted to be adjusted corresponding to a flow resistance of the heat exchange element. A coolant distribution device and a server are also provided.