Immersion Cooling Bellows Placement to Reduce Operating Fluid Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing immersion cooling systems using bellows arrangements increase the size and bulk, reduce efficiency, and add complexity, particularly in large-scale data centers or compute farms.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system design that incorporates bellows positioned below the vapor head space, with condensers and pumps to manage vapor condensation and liquid removal, reducing the volume of operating fluid required and minimizing system size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If bellows are added to compensate for pressure changes and reduce fluid loss, then operating fluid volume loss is reduced, but system size and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows are positioned inside the vapor head space of the tank, nesting the pressure compensation component within the existing system volume rather than adding external bulk. The bellows chamber utilizes the head space that already exists above the operating fluid, thereby compensating for pressure changes and reducing fluid loss without significantly increasing the overall system footprint.
2Loss of substance
If bellows are added to reduce fluid loss, then operating fluid volume is preserved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it compensates for pressure changes during system operation, reduces operating fluid loss by maintaining sealed conditions, and provides a chamber for vapor condensation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving fluid loss reduction.
3Productivity
If bellows are positioned in the vapor head space, then system efficiency is maintained, but head space volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows are positioned specifically in the vapor head space where vapor condensation occurs, utilizing the local conditions (vapor presence, temperature gradients) to provide pressure compensation and condensation volume. This localized placement allows the system to maintain cooling efficiency by keeping the bellows in the region where it can most effectively capture condensing vapor, while the reduction in head space volume is acceptable because the bellows actively manage the vapor volume through condensation.
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
Reduces the volume of operating fluid needed, decreases system size, and maintains efficiency while minimizing environmental impact and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
When computing nodes in contact with the operating fluid generate heat, the fluid starts boiling due to a low boiling point and turns to vapor
Implementation Method 2
As vapor starts moving towards the top of the chamber it comes in contact with the condenser, in which the coolant or water is flowing. Vapor starts condensing and the condensate (liquid operating fluid) is sent back to the tank
Implementation Method 3
The use of bellows can provide some extra volumes, reducing fluid lost by otherwise opening a pressure relief valve. Bellows will also deflate to provide the extra volume to the system when the system as a whole cools
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices for immersion cooling computer hardware are disclosed. An immersion cooler includes a tank enclosing a condenser and holding an operating liquid, with a head space over a surface of the liquid in the tank. The head space is gaseously coupled to one or more bellows. One or more of the bellows is placed inside the tank. In some cases, the one or more of the bellows is placed inside the head space.