Receiver with Integrated Heater Well for DX Cooling System Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for data centers face inefficiencies and increased energy consumption due to mechanical issues and differences in heat collection and transport methods, particularly in the heating of the coolant in the receiver of DX cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
A receiver design incorporating a polymer positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heating element within a heater well, which is powered by a controller and sealed with a strain relief plug, allowing for efficient and cost-effective heating of the heat transfer fluid without the need for external heat tape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heater tape is applied to the outer surface of the receiver with zip ties, then the coolant in the receiver can be heated to increase suction pressure, but the installation requires removing insulation and increases installation time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The heater element is integrated directly into the receiver body, merging the heating function with the storage vessel. This eliminates the need for separate heater tape applications and insulation removal, simplifying installation while maintaining effective coolant heating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The external mechanical application method (heater tape with zip ties) is replaced with an integrated electrical heating element embedded in the receiver. This substitution eliminates the mechanical installation steps involving insulation removal and tape application.
2Temperature
If heater tape is applied to the outer surface of the receiver, then the coolant can be heated, but external materials can contact the heater element creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The heater element is nested within a heater well that is formed inside the receiver body. This nested structure provides inherent protection, preventing external materials from contacting the heating element while allowing efficient heat transfer to the coolant.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater well acts as an intermediary structure between the heating element and the external environment. It provides a protective barrier that prevents harmful contact while maintaining the heating function, eliminating safety hazards associated with exposed heater tape.
3Reliability
If a heater well and strain relief plug are incorporated into the receiver, then the heater element is protected and installation is simplified, but the receiver design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The heater well and strain relief plug are pre-integrated into the receiver design during manufacturing. This preliminary action protects the heater element before installation, eliminating the need for separate protection measures and simplifying the overall installation process despite the initial design complexity.
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 solution reduces installation time and cost, provides a safe and efficient heating method for the coolant, and enhances the overall performance of the cooling system by ensuring consistent heating of the heat transfer fluid.
Implementation Method 1
a polymer positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heating element within a heater well, which is powered by a controller
Data Source
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AI summary
A receiver (20) of a cooling unit includes a cylindrical body (24) having a cylindrical wall (26) that defines an interior chamber (32), a bottom wall (30) formed with the cylindrical wall, and a top wall (28) formed with the cylindrical wall. The receiver further includes an inlet (42) provided in the cylindrical body, an outlet (44) provided in the cylindrical body, a heater well (48) disposed within the cylindrical body, and a heater (50) positioned in the heater well to selectively heat a heat transfer fluid contained within the interior chamber of the cylindrical body. The heater well can be configured to extend from the top wall to adjacent the bottom wall along an axis that is coaxial with an axis of the cylindrical wall of the cylindrical body or extend horizontally adjacent the bottom wall of the cylindrical body.