Modular Data Center Vapor Management for Immersion Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-phase immersion cooling systems for data centers face challenges such as fluid loss, inefficiency, high cost, and impracticality due to pressure management issues, making them unsuitable for compact and high-up-time applications.
Innovation Solution
A two-phase immersion cooling apparatus with active vapor management system, including a primary condenser, auxiliary condenser, and vapor management system with controlled valves and pumps, minimizes fluid loss and energy consumption, suitable for compact data centers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If two-phase immersion cooling systems are used for data centers, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but fluid loss and pressure management issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pressure sensors that continuously monitor the closed-loop immersion cooling system and provide feedback to a controller. When pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller activates solenoid valves to vent vapor from the system, maintaining pressure within safe operating limits and preventing fluid loss while preserving cooling effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters including pressure thresholds, valve activation timing, and vapor condensation rates based on real-time system conditions. By changing these parameters adaptively, the system optimizes the balance between maintaining effective cooling and minimizing fluid loss through controlled vapor management
2Power
If two-phase immersion cooling systems are used, then heat removal capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides vapor management into distinct functional segments: vapor detection by pressure sensors, vapor condensation in dedicated condensation chambers, controlled vapor release through solenoid valves, and liquid return through separation chambers. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high heat removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary components including condensation chambers that mediate between the vapor source and the external environment, and liquid separation chambers that mediate between condensed liquid and the immersion cooling fluid reservoir. These intermediaries simplify pressure management and fluid recovery processes while preserving the high heat removal capability of the two-phase system
3Stress or pressure
If vapor is vented from the immersion tank, then pressure control is improved, but fluid loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system discards excess vapor when pressure exceeds thresholds to maintain control, but simultaneously recovers this vapor by condensing it in condensation chambers and returning the condensed liquid to the immersion cooling system through liquid separation chambers. This recover-discard approach minimizes fluid loss while maintaining effective pressure control
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful effect of pressure buildup (which would cause fluid loss through uncontrolled venting) into a beneficial process by capturing the vented vapor, condensing it, and returning it to the system. The harmful pressure excursion becomes an opportunity for fluid recovery and system purification
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 effectively manages vapor pressure, reduces fluid loss, and enhances energy efficiency, making it practical for modular and traditional data centers with minimal environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a primary condenser in thermal communication with an interior volume of the immersion tank
Implementation Method 2
an external heat rejection system positioned outside the shipping container and fluidly connected to the primary condenser
Implementation Method 3
two-phase immersion cooling apparatus... cooling electronic devices
Data Source
AI summary
A modular data center can include a shipping container housing an immersion tank having a primary condenser in thermal communication with an interior volume of the immersion tank and a vapor management system fluidically connected to the immersion tank. The vapor management system can enable the apparatus to effectively manage periods of high vapor production by removing vapor and other gases from a headspace of the immersion tank, condensing the vapor to liquid, and returning the liquid to the immersion tank. The modular data center can include an external heat rejection system mounted outside the shipping container and fluidly connected to the primary condenser.