Per-Node Liquid Cooling Valves for Adaptive Flow and Leak Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid cooling systems for high-performance computing waste energy by maintaining uniform coolant flow rates across all computing nodes, even if only some nodes generate high heat, and lack efficient leak isolation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Implementing individually controllable valves per computing node to adjust coolant flow rates based on node-specific heat generation and status, with pump speed control synchronized to valve states for efficient energy use and leak mitigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If uniform coolant flow rates are maintained across all computing nodes, then all nodes receive adequate cooling, but energy is wasted by cooling nodes that do not generate high heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooling system by implementing individually controllable valves at each computing node, allowing the coolant flow to be divided and controlled separately for each node based on its specific heat generation requirements, thereby eliminating energy waste from uniform cooling of all nodes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic flow rate adjustment by using controllable valves that can modify the coolant flow rate to each computing node in real-time based on detected heat generation levels, transitioning from static uniform flow to dynamic adaptive flow distribution
2Productivity
If individually controllable valves are implemented per computing node, then coolant flow can be optimized for each node, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling system into independently controllable segments at each computing node, with individual valves and control logic, enabling precise cooling optimization for each node while maintaining modular architecture that manages complexity through standardization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control mechanisms where heat generation detection at each node feeds into valve control logic, creating closed-loop systems that automatically adjust flow rates based on actual thermal conditions, improving cooling efficiency while reducing the need for complex manual control
3Reliability
If traditional liquid cooling systems are used, then cooling is provided to all nodes, but leak isolation requires shutting down the entire system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooling loop into isolated zones with individual controllable valves at each computing node, enabling localized leak isolation by closing only the valve at the affected node while maintaining cooling to all other nodes, thus preserving system availability during leak incidents
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the leak isolation function from the global system shutdown level down to the individual node level, allowing the problematic element (leaking node) to be removed from the cooling flow while the rest of the system continues operating normally
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
Enhances energy efficiency by optimizing coolant flow to high-heat nodes while reducing energy waste and isolating leaks without shutting down the entire system.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid coolant captures heat and removes it from the computing devices
Implementation Method 2
the heat exchanger removes heat from the coolant by exchanging heat with another cooling medium
Data Source
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AI summary
A system, a method and device. The system comprising trays each comprising processors, a liquid cooling loop configured to supply liquid coolant to the trays, individually electronically controllable valves disposed in the liquid cooling loop, wherein each valve of comprises a movable element which is movable in response to an electronic signal to control the flow of the liquid coolant to a corresponding tray of the plurality of trays, pumps configured to cause the liquid coolant to flow through the liquid cooling loop, a control system comprising one or more controllers, wherein the controllers are configured to: individually control each valve of the plurality of individually electronically controllable valves as a function of a state of the corresponding tray, and control the pumping speed of the one or more pumps as a function of the states of the movable elements of the individually electronically controllable valves.