Immersion-Cooled IT Enclosure Layout for Dense Backup Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cooling solutions for high-density battery modules in data center power backup systems, such as air cooling and liquid cooling, are inadequate for fast charging/discharging and high packaging densities, limiting their efficiency and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A single-phase immersion coolant system is designed for IT enclosures, where immersion coolant is circulated to transfer thermal loads from battery packs to coolers, with modular assembly and independent flow management to optimize cooling efficiency and adapt to varying thermal requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air cooling or liquid cooling is used for battery modules, then the cooling system can be implemented, but fast charging/discharging and high power density cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs liquid cooling technology with coolant flowing through channels in direct contact with battery modules. The hydraulic system enables efficient heat removal through forced circulation, allowing fast charging/discharging operations while maintaining thermal safety. The coolant flow rate and temperature can be precisely controlled to match varying power density requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is designed with localized cooling channels that can be positioned at specific heat-generating areas of the battery modules. This allows different regions of the battery pack to receive appropriate cooling intensity based on their thermal characteristics, enabling high power density operations without compromising overall cooling effectiveness.
2Productivity
If traditional cooling solutions are used, then the system can operate, but high packaging density cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channels are integrated directly into the battery module structure, merging the cooling system with the battery pack design. This integration eliminates separate cooling components and reduces overall system complexity while achieving high packaging density. The coolant channels form part of the module housing or structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling channels are nested within the battery module structure, with coolant flow paths embedded inside or between battery cells and modules. This nested arrangement maximizes the use of available space, allowing high packaging density without adding external cooling infrastructure that would increase device complexity.
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 solution enables efficient localized cooling, improving heat transfer efficiency and allowing on-demand cooling by directing cooling fluid to where heat is generated, thus enhancing the performance of high-density battery packs in data center power backup systems.
Implementation Method 1
immersion coolant is circulated to transfer thermal loads from battery packs to coolers
Implementation Method 2
a fluid pump disposed at the supply or return channel to pump the immersion coolant from the return channel back to the supply channel
Data Source
AI summary
An information technology (IT) enclosure includes an IT container having immersion coolant self-contained therein, one or more cooler trays and one or more dedicated battery spacings that are alternately arranged in a series manner within the IT container. Each cooler tray to house a cooler, each battery spacing to house one or more rows of battery packs. The IT enclosure includes a supply channel disposed at a first side of the IT container, and a return channel and a fluid pump disposed at another side of the IT container. Where, when in operation, the immersion coolant circulates amongst the alternate one or more rows of battery packs and coolers to transfer a thermal load from the one or more rows of battery packs to the coolers.