Modular Liquid Distribution Conduits for Rack Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid cooling systems for information handling systems (IHS) inadequately address the cooling needs of both primary heat-generating components and auxiliary components within a rack, particularly in high-power IT racks with varied thermal requirements and limited space for discrete water distribution manifolds.
Innovation Solution
A Direct-Interface Liquid-Cooled Rack Information Handling System (RIHS) utilizing Modular Liquid Distribution (MLD) conduits to form a scalable liquid rail, enabling direct injection of cooling liquid into LC nodes and efficient heat absorption and removal, while also incorporating air-to-liquid heat exchangers for scalability and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional air cooling systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the cooling efficiency is insufficient for high-power IT racks with varied thermal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid cooling system is divided into modular components including MLD conduits that can be selectively installed between adjacent rack units. Each MLD conduit serves a specific thermal zone, allowing the system to be segmented and scaled according to actual heat generation patterns rather than implementing a complete system across the entire rack.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements localized liquid cooling by installing MLD conduits only between rack units that generate significant heat. The system allows different cooling approaches (liquid cooling vs. air cooling) for different rack units based on their thermal requirements, rather than applying a uniform cooling strategy across all units.
2Reliability
If discrete water distribution manifolds are installed, then cooling coverage is improved, but the space required for manifold installation is excessive in high-power IT racks
Solution Approach 1:
The MLD conduit integrates multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the water distribution manifold and the cooling channel. By merging the manifold function with the conduit structure, the system eliminates the need for separate discrete manifolds, reducing the space required for water distribution infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The MLD conduit is designed to perform multiple functions: distributing cooling water, providing structural support between rack units, and serving as a thermal management interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components and minimizes the overall space required for the cooling system.
3Temperature
If liquid cooling is implemented for primary components, then heat removal efficiency is improved, but auxiliary components remain inadequately cooled
Solution Approach 1:
The MLD conduit acts as an intermediary that distributes cooling water to multiple types of components (primary heat-generating components and auxiliary components) through its network of channels. The conduit system mediates between the water source and various cooling targets, enabling comprehensive cooling coverage across different component types within the same rack unit.
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 solution provides effective cooling to both primary and auxiliary components within the rack, accommodating varied thermal requirements and maintaining operational integrity by efficiently managing heat across different form factors and configurations, thus enhancing the overall cooling efficiency and adaptability of the liquid cooling system.
Implementation Method 1
provide cooling to the components inside the node by absorbing and removing heat generated by the heat-generating functional components
Implementation Method 2
direct injection of cooling liquid to regulate the ambient temperature of the node and provide cooling to the components inside the node by absorbing and removing heat
Implementation Method 3
incorporating air-to-liquid heat exchangers for scalability and flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid cooled information handling system (LC_IHS) includes a first liquid cooled node coupled to a first chassis. The LC_IHS further includes a supply conduit in fluid communication with the first chassis to cool a first liquid cooled node. The supply conduit includes a plurality of fluid paths configured such that when a first fluid path of the plurality of fluid paths is interrupted, cooling of the first liquid cooled node continues.