Liquid Cooling Unit, Control Method, and Liquid Cooling System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration systems for temperature-controlled devices face high power consumption due to fixed connections that cannot adjust cooling fluid flow, leading to inefficient energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A liquid cooling unit with a multi-way valve that allows switching between multiple operation modes, including series and parallel connections of heat exchange and refrigeration assemblies, enabling flexible refrigeration loop configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a refrigeration assembly is fixedly connected to the device to be temperature-controlled, then the connection is simple and reliable, but the cooling gas flow cannot be changed resulting in high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed connection with a dynamic switching system using multi-way valves. The valves enable the refrigeration assemblies to switch between different connection modes (series/parallel) and operate independently or together, allowing the system to adapt cooling gas flow dynamically to match actual temperature demands, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a multi-functional refrigeration system where the same refrigeration assemblies can serve multiple devices to be temperature-controlled through different piping configurations. The multi-way valves enable a single refrigeration assembly to cool multiple devices in series mode, or allow multiple assemblies to operate independently in parallel mode, making the system universally applicable to various temperature control scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple refrigeration assemblies are used to meet different temperature demands, then temperature control capability is improved, but the system complexity and difficulty of installation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics principle with multi-way valves to dynamically reconfigure the piping system between series and parallel modes. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to adapt to different temperature control scenarios without requiring physically different configurations, thereby improving temperature control capability while managing system complexity through software-controlled valve switching rather than complex hardwired configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the refrigeration system into independent modular assemblies, each capable of operating autonomously. Each refrigeration assembly can be independently controlled and switched into the system via multi-way valves, allowing flexible combination to meet different temperature demands. This modular segmentation improves adaptability while simplifying installation and maintenance compared to a fully integrated system.
3Productivity
If refrigeration assemblies are connected in series to cool multiple devices, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the system cannot respond to different temperature demands of different devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling real-time switching between series and parallel connection modes using multi-way valves. The system can dynamically transition from series mode (where refrigerant flows through multiple heat exchange assemblies sequentially for high cooling efficiency) to parallel mode (where each assembly operates independently to meet different temperature demands), thereby achieving both high productivity and adaptability based on actual operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by altering the flow path configuration parameters of the refrigeration system. Through multi-way valve switching, the system changes the connection topology parameter between series and parallel arrangements, and can adjust the operating state parameter of each refrigeration assembly (on/off, flow rate), thereby optimizing both cooling efficiency and temperature demand response capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If refrigeration assemblies are connected in parallel to meet different temperature demands, then adaptability is improved, but cooling efficiency decreases compared to series connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics principle to enable the system to switch between parallel mode (for adaptability) and series mode (for efficiency) based on real-time temperature control needs. The multi-way valves allow dynamic reconfiguration of the refrigerant flow paths, so the system can operate in parallel when different temperature demands require independent control, and switch to series mode when maximum cooling efficiency is the priority, thereby balancing adaptability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the connection configuration parameter of the refrigeration assemblies. The control system changes the topological parameter from parallel to series connection based on operational requirements, and can also adjust the flow rate parameter and operating state parameter of individual assemblies, thereby optimizing the balance between adaptability and cooling efficiency in different operating scenarios.
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
Reduces energy consumption and simplifies installation and maintenance by optimizing refrigeration based on dynamic temperature demands, enhancing energy efficiency and safety through flexible operation modes.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchange assembly (1), a second heat exchange assembly (2)... the first heat exchange assembly is configured to heat exchange with a first device to be temperature-controlled
Implementation Method 2
cooling liquid... heat exchange... liquid cooling unit
Implementation Method 3
first refrigeration assembly (31), a second refrigeration assembly (32)... form a refrigeration loop
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid cooling unit, a liquid cooling system having the liquid cooling unit, and a control method for the liquid cooling unit. The liquid cooling unit comprises a first heat exchange assembly, a second heat exchange assembly, a temperature control assembly, and a multi-way valve. The first heat exchange assembly is used for heat exchange with a first device to be temperature-controlled, and the second heat exchange assembly is used for heat exchange with a second device to be temperature-controlled. Each of the first heat exchange assembly, the second heat exchange assembly, and the temperature control assembly is connected to the multi-way valve so as to realize the conversion of a plurality of working modes by means of the reversing of the multi-way valve.