Multi-Vessel Distribution System for Immersion Cooling Level Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fan-based cooling systems for large-scale server systems are inefficient and costly due to high power consumption and require significant space, and they face challenges in maintaining thermal stability across varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-phase heat transfer immersion cooling system that submerges servers in a volatile liquid within a tank, using a self-leveling configuration with a secondary volume of cooling liquid to maintain fluid levels and a feedback control system to autonomously refill the tank, ensuring efficient cooling with reduced power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If fan-based cooling systems are used for large-scale server systems, then cooling capability is provided, but power consumption is high and space requirements are significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fan-based cooling system with a liquid immersion cooling system. Servers are submerged in a dielectric liquid coolant that directly absorbs heat from server components through conduction and convection, eliminating the need for mechanical fans and significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining effective cooling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a liquid hydraulic cooling system where a dielectric liquid circulates through the immersion tank, absorbing heat from servers and transferring it to heat exchangers. The liquid flow system provides efficient heat removal without requiring high-power mechanical components, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining cooling performance
2Temperature
If fan-based cooling systems are used for large-scale server systems, then cooling capability is provided, but space requirements are significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function directly into the server housing structure by integrating heat exchangers and coolant channels within or adjacent to server racks. This integration eliminates the need for separate, space-consuming fan assemblies and ductwork, allowing for higher server density in the same physical space while maintaining effective cooling
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing the mechanical fan-based air cooling system with a liquid immersion system, the patent eliminates the space required for large fan assemblies, air ducts, and filtration systems. The liquid cooling infrastructure requires significantly less space, enabling more compact server room configurations and higher deployment density
3Loss of substance
If cooling liquid level decreases in immersion cooling tanks, then vapor loss occurs, but manual monitoring and refilling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates liquid level sensors and vapor loss detection systems that continuously monitor the immersion cooling tank conditions. When the liquid level decreases or vapor loss is detected, the system automatically triggers a refilling mechanism, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and ensuring consistent cooling performance while minimizing vapor loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an automated refilling system that self-corrects liquid level deficiencies without human intervention. The system includes reservoirs, pumps, and control logic that automatically detect and replenish cooling liquid as needed, making the cooling system self-maintaining and eliminating manual operation requirements
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
This system provides effective cooling for servers by maintaining a stable liquid level, reducing power consumption, and accommodating varying environmental conditions, thereby increasing server density and reducing cooling costs.
Implementation Method 1
enables direct cooling of information handling systems, such as servers, by submerging and operating the physical information handling systems in a volatile (i.e., low boiling point) liquid within the multi-phase heat transfer immersion cooling tank
Implementation Method 2
A multi-phase heat transfer immersion cooling system that submerges servers in a volatile liquid within a tank
Implementation Method 3
a self-leveling configuration with a secondary volume of cooling liquid to maintain fluid levels
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid level control system includes: a first immersion cooling tank having a first volume of immersion cooling liquid and an inlet/outlet pipe extending from a base wall of the tank by which immersion cooling liquid can flow into and out of the first immersion cooling tank; at least one second volume of cooling liquid held within a liquid containing unit having a corresponding inlet/outlet pipe; and a pipe distribution system that physically connects the second volume of immersion cooling liquid to the first volume of immersion cooling liquid via respective inlet/outlet pipes and which enables fluid equilibrium to be maintained between the first volume of liquid and the second volume of liquid via gravitational equilibrium and/or passive level control such that a first volume level of the first volume of immersion cooling liquid remains substantially equal to a second volume level of the second volume of immersion cooling liquid.