Liquid-Cooled Server Rack Modules With Busbar Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rack solutions for high power density servers in data centers are inefficient, particularly in hyper-scale applications, as they rely on air cooling and do not effectively manage the increased heat generated by high performance electronics, leading to decreased server reliability and performance over time.
Innovation Solution
A modular rack system design incorporating a source module for liquid cooling and central power distribution using a busbar architecture, which connects and distributes both cooling fluid and power to high power density servers, enabling efficient heat extraction and scalable configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air cooling based rack solutions are used, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but heat removal efficiency deteriorates and server reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements liquid cooling systems using hydraulic principles to efficiently remove heat from high power density servers. Liquid cooling channels are integrated into server chassis and rack structures, enabling superior heat extraction compared to air cooling methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines cooling fluid distribution and power distribution functions into integrated rack units. The liquid cooling system is merged with power distribution infrastructure, allowing simultaneous delivery of electrical power and cooling fluid through the same rack mounting structure.
2Productivity
If server packaging density is increased to accommodate high power density servers, then productivity is improved, but temperature control becomes more difficult and heat removal efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling system into modular segments corresponding to individual server units or rack sections. Each segment has dedicated liquid cooling channels and flow control mechanisms, enabling independent temperature management for each server package regardless of overall density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from air cooling (three-dimensional convection) to liquid cooling channels (confined flow paths), effectively adding a fourth dimension of heat removal by routing cooling fluid through internal channels within server and rack structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional power distribution solutions are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to high power density servers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs rack units that serve multiple functions: power distribution, cooling fluid delivery, and structural support. These universal rack components can accommodate different server configurations and power densities without requiring separate specialized infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces integrated rack units as intermediary components between the facility's power and cooling infrastructure and the individual servers. These rack units act as mediators that distribute both electrical power and cooling fluid to multiple servers simultaneously.
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 solution provides a reliable, efficient, and scalable cooling and power distribution system for high power density servers, enhancing server performance and longevity while accommodating various blade server configurations and existing data center architectures.
Implementation Method 1
A modular rack system design incorporating a source module for liquid cooling and central power distribution using a busbar architecture, which connects and distributes both cooling fluid and power to high power density servers, enabling efficient heat extraction
Data Source
AI summary
A source module includes a server fluid distribution unit and a busbar unit, as well as connectors. In an embodiment, a server fluid distribution unit to be coupled to a rack fluid distribution unit and the one or more server blades for deploying one or more servers. In an embodiment, a busbar unit to be coupled with an alternating current (AC) power distribution unit and the one or more server blades. In an embodiment, the source module is to be coupled to the rack fluid distribution unit to distribute cooling fluid received from a cooling fluid source to the one or more server blades of corresponding server chassis and to extract heat from the one or more servers.