Liquid-Cooled Data Center Racks with Under-Floor Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face challenges with space efficiency and fire safety due to conventional air cooling systems, which are space-intensive and prone to fires from electrical ignition sources, and existing servers are not portable or cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a liquid-cooled computing system with under-floor cooling modules and fire-suppressing materials, where racks are filled with liquid coolant and cooled by pumps and heat exchangers, with a permeable floor to contain and extinguish fires, and a design that allows for easy access and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air cooling systems are used in data centers, then cooling function is provided, but space efficiency deteriorates and fire risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces air cooling with liquid cooling systems, using pumps to circulate dielectric fluid through servers and heat exchangers. This hydraulic approach removes the need for large air cooling infrastructure while providing efficient heat removal, directly resolving the contradiction between fire safety and space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the cooling medium from gas (air) to liquid (dielectric fluid), fundamentally altering the thermal transfer parameters. Liquid coolant provides superior heat capacity and thermal conductivity, enabling compact heat exchanger designs that reduce space requirements while eliminating fire risks associated with air-based systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional air cooling is implemented, then cooling is achieved, but portability and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling system into modular components including server-level coolant distribution, rack-level heat exchangers, and centralized pumping systems. This segmentation enables flexible deployment configurations that enhance portability while maintaining energy efficiency through optimized thermal pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional air flow cooling to three-dimensional liquid immersion or direct-contact cooling, allowing heat removal from all surfaces of components simultaneously. This dimensional change dramatically improves cooling efficiency and reduces the space and energy required for thermal management.
3Area of stationary object
If servers are densely packed to improve space utilization, then area efficiency improves, but fire spread risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dielectric cooling fluids that create an inert, non-combustible environment around servers. These specialized liquids have high flash points and do not support combustion, allowing dense server packing while eliminating fire spread risks through the inert atmosphere provided by the coolant.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric fluid acts as an intermediary substance between servers, serving dual functions of heat removal and fire suppression. This mediator allows close proximity of equipment while preventing harmful thermal and combustion interactions, enabling high-density deployment without increased fire risk.
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 enhances space efficiency, reduces fire risks, and maintains reliable cooling, enabling cost-effective and portable data center operations while minimizing the risk of fire spread and damage.
Implementation Method 1
liquid coolant to remove heat from at least one of the one or more servers
Implementation Method 2
Cooling components at least partially below the aisle move a liquid to remove heat from at least one of the servers
Implementation Method 3
The top of the enclosure is permeable such that liquid coolant can pass through the top into the enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
A computing system includes one or more rack rows comprising one or more racks. The racks includes one or more tanks that hold liquid coolant for at least one of the one or more servers, and a liquid coolant to remove heat from at least one of the one or more servers. An aisle is provided next to a rack row or between two of the rack rows. The aisle includes a floor. The floor can be walked on by service personnel to access at least one of the one or more racks in at least one of the rows. Cooling components at least partially below the aisle move a liquid to remove heat from at least one of the servers in at least one of the racks. The racks, floor and cooling components may be fire-resistant.