Modular Thermal Energy Management for Data Centers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional immersion cooling systems for data centers are costly, difficult to service, and lack modularity, with high costs associated with large volumes of liquid coolant and limited vertical scalability, making them unsuitable for emerging data center designs that require efficient thermal energy management.
Innovation Solution
A modular thermal energy management system using multiple containers with separate first and second liquid coolants, where the second coolant with higher thermal conductivity is used only near heat sources, reducing overall costs and enabling high power density per square foot, along with features like organic contaminant removal, leak detection, and telemetry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional immersion cooling systems use large volumes of liquid coolant to achieve thermal management, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cooling function into two separate containers: a first container holding a phase change material (PCM) and a second container holding a liquid coolant. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific cooling function independently, reducing the need for large volumes of expensive liquid coolant while maintaining effective thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different cooling mechanisms in different locations: the PCM in the first container provides cooling through phase change, while the liquid coolant in the second container provides cooling through convection. This local quality approach optimizes cooling effectiveness in each zone without requiring uniform expensive coolant throughout the entire system.
2Temperature
If traditional immersion cooling systems use large volumes of liquid coolant, then thermal management is achieved, but vertical scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the cooling system into separate modular containers (first container with PCM, second container with liquid coolant), the system becomes vertically scalable. Each container can be independently sized and configured, allowing the system to adapt to different vertical space constraints and scaling requirements without being constrained by large volumes of liquid coolant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a horizontal expansion model (requiring large floor space for extensive coolant reservoirs) to a vertical stacking model where multiple compact container units can be stacked vertically. This dimensional change enables better utilization of vertical space and improves scalability.
3Temperature
If traditional immersion cooling systems are designed as integrated units, then thermal management is achieved, but ease of repair and servicing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate, independently serviceable containers. The first container with PCM and the second container with liquid coolant can be accessed, removed, and serviced independently. This segmentation dramatically improves ease of repair and maintenance compared to integrated traditional immersion cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid coolant in the second container can be extracted and replaced independently without disturbing the PCM in the first container. This extraction capability enables easy servicing, coolant replacement, and maintenance while the system remains operational or can be quickly restored.
4Device complexity
If traditional immersion cooling systems use homogeneous cooling approach, then simplicity is maintained, but manufacturing precision and effectiveness near heat sources deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by placing the liquid coolant in close proximity to heat-generating components in the second container, while the PCM in the first container provides baseline cooling. This localized approach ensures high cooling effectiveness near heat sources without requiring complex homogeneous cooling throughout the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The second container with liquid coolant is positioned within or adjacent to the first container with PCM, creating a nested configuration. This nesting allows the high-performance liquid coolant to operate near heat sources while being thermally supported by the surrounding PCM, achieving precision cooling without excessive complexity.
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 achieves efficient thermal management with reduced costs and enhanced modularity, allowing for high power density and easy installation, while minimizing coolant usage and improving reliability and scalability.
Implementation Method 1
the second coolant with higher thermal conductivity is used only near heat sources
Implementation Method 2
the first liquid coolant, when held, circulates through at least an input inlet of the one or more input inlets and at least an output outlet of the one or more output outlets
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer-readable media are presented for managing an apparatus for thermal energy management including a first container. The first container includes a first cavity, and is configured to hold a first liquid coolant within the first cavity to at least partially surround a second container. The second container includes a second cavity configured to hold one or more heat sources, and a second liquid coolant to at least partially surround the one or more heat sources. The second container is sealed to separate the first liquid coolant from the second liquid coolant. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.