Mobile Extraction Apparatus for Immersion Cooling Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Space-limited geographical areas with high data processing needs, such as urban areas and research campuses, cannot accommodate sprawling modular datacenter configurations, necessitating smaller footprint modular datacenters using immersive cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular datacenter configuration with a containment unit housing a rack system for electronic devices in immersion casings filled with immersion cooling liquid, and an extraction mobile apparatus for navigating along the rack system to perform maintenance without spilling the cooling liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If modular datacenter configurations use traditional cooling systems, then cooling capacity is sufficient, but footprint area becomes too large for space-limited areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs immersion cooling where electronic devices are submerged in dielectric cooling liquid, utilizing phase change and direct thermal contact between components and coolant. This eliminates traditional air cooling infrastructure (CRAC/CRAU units, ductwork, and large containment spaces), achieving high cooling capacity in a compact footprint by transitioning from indirect air cooling to direct liquid cooling with potential phase transitions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the cooling liquid and immersion tanks from traditional large-scale datacenter cooling infrastructure, creating self-contained immersion cooling racks that can be deployed in modular configurations. This extraction of the cooling medium into compact, integrated units reduces the overall footprint while maintaining adequate cooling capacity through direct contact between electronics and coolant
2Area of stationary object
If modular datacenter configurations are reduced to smaller footprint, then space utilization improves, but maintenance of electronic devices becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mobile extraction apparatus with robotic arms and movable platforms that can dynamically navigate within the containment unit. These dynamic systems can position maintenance tools and operators near immersion racks without requiring permanent access corridors, enabling easy maintenance in compact spaces through movable rather than fixed infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs robotic extraction apparatus as intermediaries between operators and the immersion-cooled electronic devices. These robotic systems can manipulate immersion tanks and electronic components, perform maintenance tasks, and transfer devices between operational and maintenance areas, solving the accessibility problem in compact footprints by introducing automated intermediary systems
3Temperature
If electronic devices are immersively cooled, then cooling efficiency improves, but risk of cooling liquid spillage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sealed immersion tanks with integrated lids or covers that form flexible barriers containing the dielectric cooling liquid. These enclosed structures prevent spillage while allowing thermal contact between the coolant and electronic devices, achieving high cooling efficiency without the harmful effects of liquid leakage through properly designed containment vessels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the immersion cooling system with self-contained sealed tanks that prevent spillage through their own structural integrity rather than relying on external containment measures. The system includes features like sealed connectors, integrated lids, and robust tank designs that automatically prevent leakage without requiring additional active monitoring or intervention, achieving spillage prevention through self-service design
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
Enables efficient maintenance of immersively cooled electronic devices in compact modular datacenters, preserving human operator safety and maintaining the integrity of the cooling system.
Implementation Method 1
good thermal contact is obtained between the electronic devices and the cooling medium, namely the dielectric cooling liquid
Implementation Method 2
air handling systems
Implementation Method 3
air handling systems
Data Source
AI summary
A modular datacenter is disclosed. The modular datacenter includes a containment unit, a first rack system mounted in the containment unit and extending along a first side wall thereof, a second rack system mounted in the containment unit and extending along a second side wall thereof. The second wall is opposed to the first wall, the first and second rack systems being spaced from one another and defining an aisle there between. The first and second rack systems are configured to house electronic devices disposed in immersion casings filled with an immersion cooling liquid. The modular datacenter further includes an extraction mobile apparatus for performing maintenance on the electronic devices, the extraction mobile apparatus being operatively connected to a floor surface of the containment unit and configured to navigate along the aisle.