Immersion Cooling Bellows Layout for Lower Fluid Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing immersion cooling systems using bellows arrangements increase the size and bulk of cooling systems, reducing efficiency and density in large-scale data centers, and adding complexity.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system design that incorporates bellows positioned below the vapor head space, coupled with condensers and pumps to manage vapor condensation and fluid volume, reducing the need for operating fluid and system size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If bellows are added to compensate for pressure fluctuations and reduce fluid loss, then operating fluid volume required is reduced and fluid loss is minimized, but system size and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows are positioned inside the existing tank structure, nesting the pressure compensation mechanism within the already-present volume. This allows the bellows to provide pressure fluctuation compensation and reduce operating fluid volume requirements without adding external bulk to the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows utilize the vertical dimension within the tank by positioning themselves at the bottom, allowing them to expand and contract in the vertical direction to compensate for pressure changes. This dimensional approach enables pressure management without increasing horizontal footprint or overall system volume.
2Loss of substance
If bellows are added to compensate for pressure fluctuations, then fluid loss is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows automatically expand and contract in response to pressure fluctuations without requiring external control systems, sensors, or actuators. This self-regulating mechanism reduces operating fluid loss through passive operation, minimizing the added complexity compared to active pressure management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows utilize the phase transition between compressed and expanded states to automatically compensate for pressure changes. This physical mechanism provides fluid loss reduction through inherent material properties rather than complex control logic, maintaining system simplicity.
3Volume of stationary object
If bellows are positioned to reduce system footprint, then system density and efficiency improve, but installation and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows are designed as modular components that can be independently installed at the bottom of the tank. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing and simplified installation procedures, reducing the impact of the compact positioning on manufacturing ease while maintaining reduced system footprint.
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 required and minimizes system size, maintaining efficiency while reducing environmental impact and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
One or more bellows is fluidly coupled with the vapor head space and is at least partially disposed below a bottom of the vapor head space
Implementation Method 2
Vapor gets condensed by a condenser placed over the heat generating components, and the condensate (liquid operating fluid) is sent back to the tank
Implementation Method 3
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
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.