Modular Data Center With Submerged Heat Sinks for Passive Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data centers face high costs and infrastructure requirements due to the need for massive cooling systems to maintain optimal operating temperatures for computer systems, which generate substantial heat during operation.
Innovation Solution
A modular data center design featuring a submersible structure with heat sinks that utilize a fluid-based cooling system, where heat sinks are submerged in a fluid to dissipate heat efficiently, reducing the need for expensive cooling infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional air conditioning systems are used for cooling, then the operating temperature can be maintained, but the infrastructure cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cooling function from complex conventional air conditioning systems and implements it through simple heat sinks that passively dissipate heat into the surrounding environment, eliminating the need for compressors, condensers, and expansion valves
Solution Approach 2:
The heat sinks operate autonomously without requiring external power or complex control systems, utilizing natural convection and radiation to dissipate heat from the servers directly into the environment
2Temperature
If closed loop fluid cooling systems are used, then heat can be managed efficiently, but the system becomes expensive and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the closed loop fluid circulation system and replaces it with open heat sinks that dissipate heat directly into the environment, eliminating the need for pumping fluids through tubes and channels
Solution Approach 2:
The heat sinks are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than investing in expensive closed loop fluid systems that require maintenance of the fluid circulation infrastructure
3Temperature
If massive cooling systems are deployed, then the operating temperature range can be maintained, but the operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat sinks utilize natural physical processes (convection and radiation) to dissipate heat without requiring external energy input, eliminating the need for powered compressors and pumps that consume significant energy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical cooling systems (compressors, condensers, expansion valves) with passive thermal dissipation through heat sinks, substituting mechanical energy consumption with natural thermal processes
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 effectively manages heat dissipation with minimal environmental impact, maintaining optimal operating temperatures for electronic IT equipment while reducing cooling costs and infrastructure needs.
Implementation Method 1
heat sinks that utilize a fluid-based cooling system, where heat sinks are submerged in a fluid to dissipate heat efficiently
Implementation Method 2
heat sinks are submerged in a fluid to dissipate heat efficiently, reducing the need for expensive cooling infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
A data center includes a modular building structure forming an enclosure having a bottom side. An external support system extends from the modular building structure. A series of heat sinks are each configured to extend from an interior to an exterior of the enclosure and protrude below the bottom side of the modular building structure into a fluid. Electronic components and devices are housed within the enclosure.