Gravity-assisted heat pipe cooling source cold storage system and chiller set
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face challenges with the high power consumption of air conditioning equipment and the inefficiency and large size of traditional cold storage systems, which are not energy-saving and pose issues with heat insulation and load bearing, especially during power failures.
Innovation Solution
A gravity-assisted heat pipe cooling source cold storage system that includes a gravity-assisted heat pipe, a cold storage pool, a heat exchanging and cold condensing device, and a heat exchanger pipe, where the heat exchanger pipe is buried underground with a central pipe and side pipes arranged to maximize heat exchange area and distribute pressure uniformly, allowing for efficient cold absorption and extended service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large-size cold storage tank is added in the water system to solve cold storage for data centers, then the cold storage capacity is improved, but the system occupies huge space and brings troubles for heat insulation and load bearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the cold storage function within the existing water system infrastructure by integrating cold storage tanks into the building's foundation or underground spaces, nesting the storage function within the structural framework rather than adding separate above-ground equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal space occupation to vertical space utilization by placing cold storage tanks underground or within building foundations, moving the cold storage function to a different spatial dimension (below ground level) to avoid occupying surface area
2Quantity of substance
If a large-size cold storage tank is added to provide cold storage, then the cold storage capacity is improved, but the system becomes not energy-saving and requires significant heat insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-cools the cold storage tanks during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower, storing cold energy in advance to cushion against peak demand periods, thereby reducing overall energy consumption and avoiding the need for continuous high-power cooling operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the building's existing foundation and structural elements to provide thermal insulation support for cold storage tanks, allowing the building structure itself to serve the dual purpose of structural support and thermal insulation, thereby reducing additional insulation material requirements
3Quantity of substance
If traditional cold storage systems are used, then the cold storage function is provided, but the system occupies huge space and poses issues with load bearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates cold storage tanks from above-ground surface level to underground or sub-grade locations, transferring the load bearing requirement from the building's upper structural elements to the foundation and soil, which are better suited to handle such loads
4Reliability
If air conditioning equipment with high power consumption is used during power failure, then the cooling function is maintained, but the UPS cannot supply sufficient power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-cools and stores cold energy in insulated tanks during normal operation before power failures occur, so that during power outages the stored cold energy can be utilized without requiring high-power air conditioning equipment to operate, thereby maintaining cooling function with minimal or no power consumption
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 provides a sustainable cold source for chiller sets during power failures, enhances heat exchange efficiency, and extends the service life of the heat exchanger pipes by uniformly distributing pressure and maximizing contact with the well wall, while reducing the overall size and energy consumption of the cold storage system.
Implementation Method 1
the gravity-assisted heat pipe is a separating heat pipe, an evaporating segment of which is arranged in the cold storage pool and a condensing segment is arranged in the heat exchanging and cold condensing device to obtain the cold source
Implementation Method 2
the heat exchanger pipe is buried underground, the heat exchanger pipe comprises a central pipe and side pipes, the upper ends of the central pipe and the side pipes are communicated with the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanging and cold condensing device
Implementation Method 3
the cold storage medium has a phase-transition temperature of 5～20℃, so that its latent heat of phase change can be effectively used under the environment of higher temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A gravity-assisted heat pipe cooling source cold storage system and chiller set. The cold storage system includes a gravity-assisted heat pipe, a cold storage pool, a heat exchanging and cold condensing device, and a heat exchanger pipe. A lower end of the gravity-assisted heat pipe is arranged in the cold storage pool, and an upper end of the gravity-assisted heat pipe is arranged in the heat exchanging and cold condensing device. The heat exchanger pipe is buried underground, and includes a central pipe and a side pipe. Upper ends of the central pipe and the side pipes are communicated with an inlet and outlet of the heat exchanging and cold condensing device, respectively. Lower ends of the central pipe and the side pipes are communicated with each other. The system employs the heat exchanger pipe to provide a cooling source for the gravity-assisted heat pipe.