Recycle Pump for Hot-Swappable Server Cooling Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid cooling configurations for server systems face issues such as loss of cooling during pump module exchanges, wastage of time and resources due to diminished cooling, reduction of coolant volume due to evaporation, and the need for separate pumps for coolant recycling and refilling.
Innovation Solution
A cooling distribution system that includes a distribution unit chassis with hot-swappable pump modules, a coolant inlet manifold, a coolant collection pan, and a recycle pump. The system recirculates leaked coolant from the collection pan back into the main cooling path using the recycle pump, and can switch between recycle and supply modes to maintain optimal coolant levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate pumps are used for coolant recycling and refilling, then coolant management functions are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the recycling pump and refilling pump into a single integrated pump unit. The pump system includes a pump body with a recycling pump mechanism and a refilling pump mechanism that share common structural elements and control systems, thereby achieving both coolant recycling and refilling functions while reducing device complexity compared to using separate pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pump unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in recycling mode to return leaked coolant from the collection pan to the coolant inlet manifold, and in refilling mode to replenish coolant in the coolant distribution unit. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated pumps for each function.
2Ease of repair
If pump modules are made hot-swappable for maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but coolant loss occurs during exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of coolant loss during pump module exchange into a beneficial recycling process. The collection pan captures leaked coolant that would otherwise be wasted, and the recycling pump returns this coolant to the system, transforming the negative consequence of hot-swappable maintenance into an opportunity for coolant recovery and reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection pan serves as an intermediary component between the pump modules and the coolant supply system. It intercepts and collects coolant that leaks during pump module removal or installation, preventing direct loss and enabling subsequent recycling back into the coolant distribution system.
3Reliability
If coolant volume is reduced due to evaporation, then cooling efficiency decreases, but time is lost for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through the integrated pump unit that automatically performs both recycling of leaked coolant and refilling of evaporated coolant. The pump system monitors coolant levels and autonomously replenishes the coolant distribution unit, eliminating the need for manual intervention and maintenance downtime, thereby ensuring continuous cooling operation.
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 addresses the issues of coolant loss and evaporation by recirculating leaked coolant, ensuring continuous cooling and reducing the need for frequent pump module exchanges, thereby maintaining server systems at full operational capability.
Implementation Method 1
a recycle pump fluidly coupled to form a recycle cooling path between the coolant collection pan and the coolant inlet manifold. The recycle pump is configured to pump the leaked coolant from the coolant collection pan back to the coolant inlet manifold.
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of hot-swappable pump modules mounted within the distribution unit chassis for cooling an external electronic computing device. The plurality of hot-swappable pump modules is configured to circulate a coolant along a main cooling path.
Implementation Method 3
a coolant collection pan for collecting leaked coolant from the coolant circulating along the main cooling path
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling distribution system cools an electronic computing device and includes a plurality of hot-swappable pump modules mounted within a distribution unit chassis and configured to circulate a coolant along a main cooling path. A coolant inlet manifold is mounted within the chassis and is fluidly coupled to the pump modules to allow entry of the coolant into the main cooling path. A coolant collection pan collects leaked coolant from the coolant circulating along the main cooling path. A recycle pump is fluidly coupled to form a recycle cooling path between the collection pan and the inlet manifold, and is configured to pump the leaked coolant from the collection pan back to the inlet manifold for recirculating the leaked coolant into the main cooling path.