LNG Heat Exchange System Using Data Center Waste Heat for Gasification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heat exchange systems face challenges in efficiently exchanging heat between liquefied natural gas (LNG) and heat dissipation apparatuses, such as data centers, as they struggle to effectively absorb and dissipate heat simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchange system comprising a heating portion with pumps, heat exchangers, and a water storage tank, where intermediate heating mediums absorb heat from water and transfer it to LNG, while a cooling portion uses chilled water loops and cooling towers to dissipate heat from data centers, allowing for efficient heat exchange and power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heat exchange systems use conventional heat transfer methods between LNG and heat dissipation apparatus, then heat absorption and dissipation can occur, but the system efficiency is insufficient and energy utilization is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat absorption process of LNG gasification with the heat dissipation requirements of data centers into a single integrated system. The LNG cold energy that would otherwise be wasted is merged with the cooling demand of IT equipment, creating a symbiotic heat exchange system that simultaneously achieves both functions with improved efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system design allows the heat exchange apparatus to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a heat sink for LNG gasification and a heat source for data center cooling. This multi-functionality enables the same infrastructure to address both cold energy utilization and heat dissipation needs, optimizing energy utilization across different operational contexts
2Loss of energy
If heat exchange systems attempt to absorb and dissipate heat simultaneously, then energy utilization improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules including a heat absorption unit for LNG gasification, a heat dissipation unit for data center cooling, and intermediate heat transfer components. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system efficiency, managing complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate heat transfer media and heat exchangers that facilitate heat exchange between the LNG system and data center cooling system. These intermediary components enable thermal energy transfer without direct contact between the two systems, simplifying the overall design while achieving effective heat utilization
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 enables effective heat absorption and dissipation, allowing LNG to be gasified and heat from data centers to be efficiently transferred, optimizing energy utilization and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
intermediate heating mediums absorb heat from water and transfer it to LNG
Implementation Method 2
cooling towers to dissipate heat from data centers
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchange system includes a cold source, a heat dissipation apparatus, a water storage tank, a heating portion, and a cooling portion. The heating portion is coupled between the cold source and the water storage tank. The cooling portion is coupled between the heat dissipation apparatus and the water storage tank. The cooling portion transmits heat of the heat dissipation apparatus to water of the water storage tank to cool the heating portion, and the heating portion transmits heat of the water of the water storage tank to the cold source to heat the cold source.