Liquid Cooling Flow Control for Condensation-Free Chilled Water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid cooling heat dissipation systems face challenges in supporting a chilled water scenario without condensation and are costly due to the need for additional components like CDUs, and they require prior knowledge of dew point temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A liquid cooling heat dissipation system with a control unit, temperature and humidity sensing units, and a flow regulating valve to dynamically adjust coolant flow based on real-time temperature and humidity readings, allowing broader coolant temperature range compatibility and avoiding condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the temperature of incoming water in the air/liquid heat exchanger is directly controlled to be greater than dew point temperature, then condensation phenomenon is avoided or reduced, but chilled water scenario cannot be supported and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the coolant flow rate adjustable rather than fixed. The flow regulating valve dynamically changes the flow rate based on real-time temperature and humidity conditions, allowing the system to adapt to different scenarios (chilled water, cooling tower, dry cooler) without adding complex temperature control devices. This resolves the contradiction by preventing condensation through flow adjustment rather than temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the controlled parameter from temperature (in conventional solutions) to flow rate (in this invention). By regulating the coolant flow rate instead of its temperature, the system can prevent condensation while supporting chilled water scenarios. The control unit adjusts the flow rate parameter based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for complex temperature control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a cooling tower is used to control water temperature above dew point, then condensation is prevented, but chilled water scenario cannot be supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a flow regulating valve-based control system that works across multiple cooling scenarios (chilled water, cooling tower, dry cooler). Unlike temperature-controlled systems that are scenario-specific, this invention universally prevents condensation by adjusting coolant flow rate regardless of the cooling source, thereby supporting all scenarios including chilled water without requiring different system configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment of coolant flow rate allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions and cooling scenarios. The control unit receives temperature and humidity data and dynamically optimizes the flow rate to prevent condensation in any scenario, providing versatile adaptability without scenario-specific hardware.
3Reliability
If a CDU is added to control incoming water temperature, then condensation is prevented, but costs increase and control convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature control function from the system and replaces it with a flow rate control mechanism. Instead of adding a CDU with plate heat exchanger and pump, the invention uses a simple flow regulating valve on the existing coolant line. This removes the complex temperature control subsystem while maintaining condensation prevention capability, significantly reducing costs and simplifying implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex temperature control equipment (CDU, plate heat exchanger) with a simple, low-cost flow regulating valve. The valve is a basic component that can be easily manufactured and installed, providing the same condensation prevention function at a fraction of the cost and with much simpler implementation.
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 system effectively supports chilled water scenarios by preventing condensation and reducing costs through adaptive control, ensuring stable heat dissipation for equipment cabinets.
Implementation Method 1
Coolant flows into the air/liquid heat exchanger, and the air/liquid heat exchanger is in a low-temperature environment. Cold air in the low-temperature environment is blown to the cabinet by a fan, to dissipate heat for a board in the cabinet.
Implementation Method 2
An air/liquid heat exchanger is disposed in a cabinet or beside the cabinet. Coolant flows into the air/liquid heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
A flow regulating valve is disposed on a pipe at the inlet, and the flow regulating valve and the control unit are connected for signal transmission
Implementation Method 4
at least one temperature sensing unit is installed in the heat source box, and the at least one temperature sensing unit and the control unit are connected for signal transmission
Implementation Method 5
at least one humidity sensing unit is installed in the heat source box, and the at least one humidity sensing unit and the control unit are connected for signal transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid cooling heat dissipation system includes a control unit, a heat source box, and a heat dissipation unit. A temperature sensing unit is installed in the heat source box, and the temperature sensing unit and the control unit are connected for signal transmission. The heat dissipation unit includes an inlet and an outlet. Coolant flows into the heat dissipation unit through the inlet and flows out of the heat dissipation unit through the outlet. A flow regulating valve is disposed on a pipe at the inlet, and the flow regulating valve and the control unit are connected for signal transmission. The control unit obtains temperature information by using the temperature sensing unit, and determines lowest temperature T1 and highest temperature T2 based on the temperature information. The control unit is configured to control an opening degree of the flow regulating valve.