Multi-Loop Cooling System for IT Units with Adjustable Liquid Air Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heterogeneous IT environments often require a mix of air and liquid cooling, leading to custom solutions that are not optimized, resulting in capacity issues and the need for constant manual tuning, which can be unsafe for personnel.
Innovation Solution
A multi-loop cooling system that includes a dry cooling section with dry coolers and a liquid loop interface with liquid heat exchange devices, allowing for adjustable ratios of liquid to air cooling and user presence detection to optimize cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom liquid cooling solutions are developed per application load, then cooling capacity is optimized for specific applications, but device complexity and engineering requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a liquid cooling system that can serve multiple IT applications with different cooling loads through a single standardized platform. The system uses adjustable flow control valves and modular heat exchange devices that can be configured to meet varying cooling demands without requiring custom engineering for each application, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable cooling capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through adjustable flow control valves that allow the liquid cooling system to adapt its cooling capacity dynamically based on the IT load requirements. This enables the system to optimize cooling for different applications without requiring complete redesign, balancing the need for application-specific optimization with reduced engineering complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mixed air and liquid cooling environments are used, then flexibility in cooling approach is improved, but temperature control stability deteriorates due to personnel presence and manual tuning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing temperature sensors and control systems that continuously monitor and adjust the liquid cooling output based on actual IT equipment temperatures. This automated feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual tuning and maintains stable temperature control even in mixed cooling environments, preventing personnel presence from affecting temperature stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automated control that adjusts cooling parameters based on sensor input without requiring manual intervention. The liquid cooling system automatically balances its output with the air cooling system, maintaining stable temperatures and eliminating the need for personnel to manually tune the cooling system, thereby preventing temperature fluctuations caused by human presence.
3Productivity
If manual tuning of cooling system is performed, then cooling optimization is achieved, but safety for personnel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the cooling system to automatically optimize its performance through embedded sensors and control algorithms. The system self-adjusts liquid and air cooling ratios based on real-time temperature measurements, achieving cooling optimization without requiring personnel to physically access or manually tune the system, thereby eliminating safety hazards associated with manual intervention in cooling equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tuning with automated electronic control systems. Temperature sensors, flow control valves, and control algorithms work together to automatically optimize cooling performance, substituting the need for manual mechanical adjustment. This eliminates personnel exposure to harmful factors such as hot surfaces, moving parts, and temperature extremes while maintaining cooling optimization.
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 provides efficient, scalable, and safe cooling solutions by optimizing the ratio of liquid to air cooling and ensuring personnel safety during maintenance, achieving a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of less than 1.1.
Implementation Method 1
a primary loop with at least one dry cooler of the dry cooler section
Implementation Method 2
at least one dry cooler of the dry cooler section
Implementation Method 3
at least one liquid heat exchange device of the liquid loop interface that provides liquid cooling to one or more IT units
Implementation Method 4
at least one liquid heat exchange device of the liquid loop interface that provides liquid cooling to one or more IT units
Implementation Method 5
an air/liquid exchange section with at least one air/liquid exchange device that provides air cooling to the one or more IT units
Data Source
AI summary
A method for cooling one or more Information Technology (IT) units, the method comprising adjusting a first valve controlling liquid flow in a primary loop, wherein the primary loop comprises: at least one dry cooler of a dry cooling section, and an air/liquid exchange section comprising at least one air/liquid exchange device that provides air cooling to the one or more IT units. The method further comprising adjusting a second valve controlling liquid flow into a liquid loop interface, the liquid loop interface being connected to a secondary loop, the secondary loop comprising the one or more IT units; and at least one liquid heat exchange device of the liquid loop interface that provides liquid cooling to the one or more IT units, and wherein adjusting the first and second valves controls the ratio of liquid cooling to air cooling to the one or more IT units.