Liquid Handling Block Radiator for IHS Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heat removal systems in rack-based Information Handling Systems (IHS) face challenges in efficiently cooling high-power components due to space constraints and varying thermal requirements, necessitating innovative cooling solutions that can effectively manage heat at both the node and rack levels.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a liquid handling block with a liquid-to-air heat exchanger and a modular liquid distribution system that allows for both open-loop and closed-loop configurations, enabling efficient heat transfer and scalability to accommodate diverse node configurations and thermal demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional air mover systems are used for heat removal, then the system structure is simple, but the cooling efficiency is insufficient for high-power components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional air-based convection cooling with liquid immersion cooling, where heat-generating components are directly submerged in cooling liquid. This substitution enables much higher heat transfer coefficients and cooling efficiency for high-power components, while the liquid medium also serves as both coolant and electrical insulator, simplifying certain aspects of the system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs liquid hydraulic cooling systems with pumps, manifolds, and distribution networks to deliver cooling liquid to heat-generating components. The hydraulic system enables precise control of cooling flow rates and temperatures, achieving superior thermal management for high-power density applications where air cooling becomes inadequate.
2Loss of energy
If discrete water distribution manifolds are mounted in high-power IT racks, then cooling capability is improved, but space availability is insufficient due to dense chassis provisioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the water distribution manifold functions directly into the rack structure itself, eliminating the need for separate discrete manifold components. The rack is designed with integrated liquid cooling channels and distribution points built into its framework, allowing cooling liquid to be delivered to multiple nodes simultaneously without requiring additional space for separate cooling infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for nodes, electrical grounding, and now also functions as the primary liquid cooling distribution system. The rack's structural elements are designed to dual purposes, with channels that both support the rack's mechanical integrity and serve as conduits for cooling liquid flow to multiple heat-generating components.
3Loss of energy
If liquid cooling is implemented at the rack level, then cooling efficiency is improved, but adaptability to different node configurations and thermal requirements becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the liquid cooling system into modular segments corresponding to different rack zones and node types. Each segment can be independently configured and controlled, allowing the system to adapt to different node configurations and thermal requirements. The segmentation enables flexible arrangement of cooling manifolds and distribution points to match various topologies and power densities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control capabilities in the liquid cooling system, including variable speed pumps, controllable valves, and adaptive flow distribution. These dynamic elements allow the cooling system to respond in real-time to changing thermal loads and node configurations, optimizing cooling efficiency while adapting to diverse operational requirements and topologies.
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 provides a scalable and efficient cooling system that effectively manages heat across diverse node configurations, enhancing the operational integrity of rack-based IHS by ensuring effective heat dissipation and flexibility in cooling liquid distribution.
Implementation Method 1
A liquid-to-air heat exchanger (LTAHE), or radiator, that is a portion of the second transfer conduit
Implementation Method 2
Traditional heat removal systems include use of air movers, such as fans, to convectionally transfer the heat from inside of the RIHS to outside the RIHS
Implementation Method 3
Some RIHS have been designed to enable submersion of the server modules and/or the heat generating components in a tank of cooling liquid to effect cooling via absorption of the heat by the surrounding immersion liquid
Implementation Method 4
A liquid-to-air heat exchanger (LTAHE), or radiator
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid handling (LH) block of an Information Handling System (IHS) having a first transfer conduit having node-receiving intake port/s sealably engaged for fluid transfer to node intake port/s of Liquid Cooled (LC) node/s and having supply connection/s. A second transfer conduit has node-receiving outlet port/s sealably engaged for fluid transfer to LC node output port/s of the LC node/s and having return connection/s. A radiator includes a portion of the second transfer conduit. A cooling liquid distribution subsystem has a user selectable first and second sets of liquid conduits connectable to the module in one of an open-loop configuration utilizing facility supplied cooling liquid and a closed-loop configuration to recirculate cooling liquid between the block radiator and the node-level system of conduits.