Multi-Rack Immersion Cooling With Balanced Flow And Level Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing immersion cooling systems face challenges in efficiently cooling multiple computer system components using a single coolant distribution system, as they often result in uneven coolant levels leading to overheating, air exposure, or pump damage due to air intake, and require separate cooling systems for each rack.
Innovation Solution
A multi-rack immersion cooling system with a single coolant distribution unit, manifold, and adjustable valves and nozzles to regulate coolant flow, combined with a weir and buffer tank to maintain consistent coolant levels and prevent air intake, ensuring even cooling across multiple racks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple off-the-shelf smaller racks with tanks are used, then rack availability and ease of installation are improved, but separate cooling systems are required for each rack increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate cooling systems into a single integrated cooling distribution system that serves multiple racks. The cooling distribution system includes a pump, heat exchanger, and manifold that can simultaneously cool multiple racks with different cooling requirements, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems for each rack while maintaining the benefit of using standard rack sizes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If minor differences in flow are used to vary cooling rates of racks, then cooling rate flexibility is improved, but coolant level differences are introduced creating safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a manifold as an intermediary device between the cooling distribution system and multiple racks. The manifold includes multiple outlets that can be independently controlled to provide different flow rates to different racks while maintaining equalized coolant levels. This intermediary structure allows cooling rate flexibility without creating harmful coolant level differences, as the manifold's design ensures balanced pressure distribution across all outlets.
3Reliability
If coolant is pumped out of the bottom of tanks to avoid air intake, then pump protection is improved, but complete draining may occur due to leaks or failures causing overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a safety mechanism that prevents complete draining of coolant tanks. The system includes level sensors and control mechanisms that maintain minimum coolant levels even when the pump operates. This beforehand cushioning ensures that if leaks or failures occur, sufficient coolant remains in the tanks to prevent overheating, while still allowing the pump to operate from the bottom to avoid air intake.
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, even cooling across multiple racks, reducing energy consumption and preventing overheating or pump damage by maintaining optimal coolant levels and flow, while allowing for easier rack placement and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The coolant distribution unit may be configured to adjust a temperature and pump a fluid used as a coolant
Implementation Method 2
by submerging those components in a tank filled with a dielectric coolant
Implementation Method 3
The return line may be configured to convey the coolant fluid from the coolant manifold to the coolant distribution unit
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects include devices, systems, and methods for multi-tank immersion cooling distribution. The devices and systems may include a coolant distribution unit, a coolant manifold, a supply and return line, and one or more immersion cooling racks. The coolant distribution unit may be configured to adjust a temperature and pump a fluid used as a coolant. The coolant manifold may redistribute the fluid. The immersion cooling racks may be disposed between the coolant distribution unit and the coolant manifold. Each immersion cooling rack may be coupled to the coolant manifold through an inlet duct for receiving the fluid from the coolant manifold and an outlet duct for returning the fluid to the coolant manifold.