Liquid Cooling Module Replacing Fan in Server Chassis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Datacenter server chassis cooling systems face challenges in efficiently managing increased heat generated by upgraded computing resources, particularly when transitioning from air-cooled to liquid-cooled systems, as existing solutions lack sufficient redundancy and flexibility in cooling and power distribution.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a cooling module that replaces fan modules in server chassis, incorporating liquid cooling connectors and manifolds to provide enhanced cooling resources and additional electrical power, allowing for increased computing capacity and redundancy, while also supporting advanced functionalities like turbo mode and overclocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If liquid cooling connectors and manifolds are integrated into the cooling module, then cooling capacity and heat management efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling capacityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines liquid cooling connectors, manifolds, and cooling channels into an integrated cooling module that replaces traditional fan modules. This merging of multiple cooling components into a single modular unit improves cooling capacity while managing complexity through standardization and integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling module is designed as a universal component that can be installed in standard fan module bays, providing both cooling and power distribution functions. The manifold structure serves multiple cooling zones simultaneously, and the module supports both air-cooled and liquid-cooled configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cooling module replaces fan modules in existing chassis, then adaptability and flexibility are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling module is designed to fit into standard fan module bays using conventional mounting mechanisms, enabling it to replace fan modules in existing chassis without requiring custom installations. This universal design approach improves adaptability while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If redundancy is increased by adding multiple cooling modules, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveredundancyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system is divided into multiple independent modular cooling units, each capable of operating autonomously. This segmentation allows for easy configuration of redundant cooling paths where multiple modules can be installed in parallel, improving reliability while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 effectively increases the cooling and power capacity of server chassis, enabling efficient heat management and supporting increased computing resources, while providing flexibility in resource allocation and supporting advanced computing functionalities.

Implementation Method 1

a first liquid cooling connector configured to receive liquid from a heat exchanger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchanger: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP3474648B1Cooling module
Publication Date: 2024.01.10 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP
  • EP3474648B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3474648B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3474648B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Example implementations relate to cooling modules. In some examples, a cooling module, can include an enclosure to replace a fan module, a first liquid cooling connector to receive and return cooling resources to a heat exchanger, and a second liquid cooling connector to provide the cooling resources to a manifold.