Multimode Immersion Cooling for Data Centers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air-based cooling systems are inadequate for managing heat generated by high-power electronic devices in data centers, as they fail to maintain satisfactory operating temperatures, and existing immersion cooling systems face challenges with fluid loss, corrosion, and environmental concerns in two-phase operations.
Innovation Solution
A multimode immersion cooling system that operates in both single-phase and two-phase modes using a single thermal transfer fluid, with a controller determining the mode based on energy consumption and thermal load, featuring a heat exchanger for energy extraction and a condenser for vapor condensation, and includes a thermal transfer fluid with enhanced properties for efficient heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If two-phase immersion cooling is used to cool high-power electronic devices, then cooling performance is improved, but cooling fluid loss increases and environmental harm occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameters of the cooling fluid by selecting a fluid with a boiling point above 100°C (such as ionic liquids or engineered fluorinated compounds). This parameter change allows the system to operate in two-phase mode while minimizing vaporization losses to acceptable levels, thus improving cooling performance without excessive fluid loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite or engineered cooling fluids that combine multiple properties: high boiling point, high heat of vaporization, appropriate thermal conductivity, and environmental safety. Examples include ionic liquids mixed with conventional coolants or engineered fluorinated compounds that integrate multiple desirable characteristics into a single cooling medium.
2Power
If two-phase immersion cooling is used to increase cooling capacity, then heat dissipation ability is improved, but device and system corrosion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the cooling fluid to achieve high boiling points above 100°C while maintaining chemical stability and non-corrosiveness. Ionic liquids and engineered fluorinated compounds are selected specifically for their resistance to corrosion of electronic components and system materials, even when operating in two-phase mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert chemical environment by using chemically stable cooling fluids such as ionic liquids and fluorinated compounds that do not react with or corrode electronic components, circuit boards, or system materials. These fluids provide a chemically inert atmosphere that protects sensitive electronics while enabling high-capacity two-phase cooling.
3Device complexity
If conventional air-based cooling is used for data centers, then system complexity is reduced, but heat dissipation capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from air-based convective cooling to liquid-based immersion cooling, utilizing the superior thermal properties of liquids. The cooling fluid directly contacts electronic components, enabling much higher heat dissipation capabilities through conduction and phase change mechanisms while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
4Device complexity
If single-phase immersion cooling is used to simplify system design, then operating costs are reduced, but cooling effectiveness for high-power devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions (liquid to vapor and back) of the cooling fluid to enhance heat dissipation effectiveness. When electronic devices generate high heat loads, the cooling fluid undergoes phase change, absorbing large amounts of latent heat. The vapor then condenses on cooled surfaces, releasing heat efficiently, and the condensed liquid returns to continue the cycle, providing superior cooling for high-power devices while maintaining single-phase system simplicity.
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 effectively manages heat dissipation in both modes, minimizing fluid loss and environmental impact, while maintaining efficient cooling performance, especially during peak usage periods, with the thermal transfer fluid offering high thermal conductivity, heat of vaporization, and dielectric properties.
Implementation Method 1
heat is removed by circulating a cooling fluid in direct contact with heat-generating components
Implementation Method 2
the heated cooling fluid being cooled by a heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger extracts thermal energy from the heated thermal transfer fluid to form cooled thermal transfer fluid
Implementation Method 4
vaporizing when the thermal transfer fluid temperature reaches its boiling point
Implementation Method 5
For two-phase immersion cooling, the cooling fluid directly contacts the heat-generating components with excess heat generating a phase change to a vapor
Implementation Method 6
The vaporized cooling fluid condenses via a heat exchanger and returns to the immersion cooling tank
Data Source
AI summary
A multimode immersion cooling system includes a first, single-phase immersion cooling mode and a second, two-phase immersion cooling mode. The system operates in a single phase mode and reserves a two-phase mode for peak energy consumption periods. A single thermal transfer fluid is used for both modes, remaining in a liquid phase in a first single-phase immersion cooling mode and vaporizing when the thermal transfer fluid temperature reaches its boiling point in a second two-phase immersion cooling mode. A heat exchanger extracts thermal energy from heated thermal transfer fluid in the single phase mode while a condenser cools vaporized thermal transfer fluid to condense the vapor during the second, two-phase immersion cooling mode. A controller determines whether the multimode immersion cooling system operates in the single-phase mode or the second two-phase mode, or both.