Liquid Pump Unit with Integrated Filter for Server Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid cooling systems face challenges in integrating liquid filtration devices due to space constraints in crowded server chassis and racks, and maintenance of these filters often requires detaching the entire filtration device, complicating maintenance and replacement processes.
Innovation Solution
A liquid pump unit is designed with an integrated filter device, such as a Y-strainer, that is compactly positioned within the unit's chassis, allowing for efficient filtration without increasing the overall size of the unit. This design enables quick maintenance access through an access panel, allowing for filter replacement without detaching the entire unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid filtration devices are integrated with CDUs, then contaminants are removed from cooling fluid, but additional space is required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The filter device is integrated into the CDU structure by mounting it on the front panel, merging the filtration function with the existing CDU housing. This eliminates the need for separate filtration equipment and additional installation space while maintaining effective contaminant removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter device is positioned on the front panel of the CDU, utilizing the vertical and depth dimensions of the existing chassis rather than requiring additional horizontal space. This dimensional arrangement allows filtration integration without increasing the overall footprint of the cooling system.
2Reliability
If liquid filtration devices are installed at a rack, then filtration is provided, but maintenance requires detaching the entire device
Solution Approach 1:
The filter device is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently accessed and maintained. The filter cartridge is segmented from the main CDU body, allowing technicians to remove and replace the filter without detaching the entire filtration device or CDU from the rack.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cartridge is extracted as a removable component with access provided through an opening in the front panel. This extraction design allows the filter to be removed and replaced independently, eliminating the need to detach the entire filtration device for maintenance purposes.
3Productivity
If CDUs and server chassis are arranged at closer proximities, then space utilization is improved, but installation and maintenance space becomes constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The filter device is merged with the CDU housing structure, utilizing the existing CDU space for filtration functionality. This integration eliminates the need for additional separate filtration equipment, allowing CDUs to be positioned closer together while still providing adequate space for installation and maintenance operations.
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 integrated filtration system effectively removes contaminants from the cooling fluid, maintaining optimal heat exchanger performance and preventing overheating, while also simplifying maintenance procedures, reducing downtime, and optimizing space usage in densely packed server environments.
Implementation Method 1
The pump assembly includes a pump, a pump pipe system, and a liquid connector system. The pump pipe system is fluidly coupled to the pump at a first end and fluidly coupled to the liquid connector system at a second end opposite the first end.
Implementation Method 2
The filter device is enabled to mechanically remove solid particles from the cooling fluid flowing through the liquid pump unit.
Implementation Method 3
Liquid-to-air CDUs transfer heat to the ambient via a heat exchanger within the CDU.
Implementation Method 4
A working fluid inside of a cold plate chamber absorbs and transfers heat away from integrated circuit components.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid pump unit may include a chassis, pump assembly, and filter device. A front panel, bottom panel, and back panel of the chassis define an interior space therewithin. The liquid pump unit may include a pump assembly including a pump, pump pipe system, and liquid connector system. The pump pipe system is fluidly coupled to the pump at a first end and fluidly coupled to the liquid connector system at a second end. The pump and the pump pipe system are disposed in the interior space. The liquid connector system is coupled to the back panel and enabled for a cooling fluid to flow therethrough. The filter device is fluidly coupled between the pump pipe system and liquid connector system and enabled to mechanically remove solid particles from the cooling fluid flowing through the liquid pump unit. The liquid pump unit and the liquid connector system are vertically disposed.