LNG Heat Exchanger Coupling for Data Center Cooling Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for efficient cooling of data centers and heating of liquefied natural gas (LNG) during the regasification process, as existing methods are energy-intensive and often require external power sources.
Innovation Solution
A coupled data center cooling/LNG regasification apparatus that transfers heat from data center processing units to liquefied natural gas, using a heat exchanger to phase change the LNG into natural gas, thereby providing cooling for the data center and generating power for computation needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional cooling systems are used for data centers, then cooling is provided, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data center cooling system with the LNG regasification system into a single integrated apparatus. The heat exchanger serves dual purposes: cooling data center equipment and heating LNG for regasification, thereby eliminating the need for separate cooling systems and reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the waste heat generated by data center processing units into a useful resource for heating LNG during regasification. Instead of dissipating this heat into the environment, it is captured and utilized to meet the thermal requirements of the LNG heating process, thereby converting a harmful thermal byproduct into a beneficial energy source.
2Temperature
If external power sources are used for LNG regasification, then heating is provided, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the LNG heating function with the data center cooling function in a single integrated system. The heat exchanger serves as the common component that transfers heat from data center equipment to LNG, eliminating the need for separate external heating systems and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The data center cooling system provides the heating energy required for LNG regasification through its own waste heat. This self-service arrangement eliminates the need for external power sources or separate heating systems, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Loss of energy
If waste heat is utilized for LNG regasification, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two previously separate systems (data center cooling and LNG regasification) into a single integrated apparatus. By combining these functions, the patent recovers waste heat that would otherwise be lost and uses it for LNG heating, improving energy efficiency while actually reducing the total number of separate components needed.
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 approach reduces the energy consumption of data centers by utilizing waste heat for LNG regasification, creating a symbiotic relationship that enhances data center efficiency and self-sufficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a phase change chamber, wherein a gas phase natural gas (NG) forms from the liquefied natural gas in a phase change
Implementation Method 2
the heat exchanger configured to move at least thirty percent of an energy required in the phase change from the data center to the liquefied natural gas
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a coupled data center cooling/liquid natural gas (LNG) regasification heating apparatus, such as an apparatus configured to remove heat generated in a data center by a processing unit, comprising: a heat exchanger, the heat exchanger comprising: an input connector connected to a supply of a liquefied natural gas (LNG); a phase change chamber, wherein a gas phase natural gas (NG) forms from the liquefied natural gas in a phase change; and an output connector connected to an output pipe configured to move the gas phase natural gas out of the phase change chamber, the heat exchanger configured to move at least thirty percent of an energy required in the phase change from the data center to the liquefied natural gas.