Redundant Phase Change Cooling Unit with Pressure Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data center cooling systems lack full redundancy and require significant tuning and control, making it challenging to manage the thermal environment effectively, especially with high-power density electronic racks.
Innovation Solution
A fully redundant phase change cooling unit with two condenser units operating in parallel, connected through vapor return lines and pressure sensors, allowing for dynamic control of fluid pumps and valves to distribute cooling capacity and ensure continuous operation even if one unit fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing phase change cooling systems are deployed, then cooling capability is provided, but full redundancy is not achieved and single failure points exist
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into multiple independent cooling loops, each with its own condenser unit, flow control unit, and associated components. This segmentation allows one loop to fail without affecting the others, achieving full redundancy while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates standby condenser units and flow control mechanisms that are pre-configured to take over immediately upon failure of active units. This beforehand cushioning ensures continuous cooling operation without interruption, eliminating single failure points while maintaining system reliability
2Ease of operation
If existing cooling systems are deployed, then cooling function is provided, but significant tuning and control are required after deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control units are equipped with sensors and control algorithms that automatically monitor cooling demands and adjust fluid flow rates without manual intervention. The system self-regulates to maintain optimal thermal management, eliminating the need for post-deployment tuning and reducing operational time requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where temperature sensors and flow meters continuously monitor system performance and automatically adjust control parameters. This closed-loop control enables the system to adapt to changing thermal loads dynamically, removing the need for manual tuning after deployment
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 provides advanced thermal management with high system reliability, increased power efficiency, and compatibility with various data center architectures, ensuring stable operation and efficient cooling distribution.
Implementation Method 1
Recently, data centers have been deploying more high-power density electronic racks... Existing solutions for cooling systems include phase changes systems
Implementation Method 2
two condenser units operating in a parallel manner... to return gas phase evaporated coolant to the condenser unit
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a liquid cooling apparatus includes a first cooling loop to provide cooling liquid to a heat load, wherein the first cooling loop comprises a first condenser unit, a first liquid supply line, and a first vapor return line and a second cooling loop to provide cooling liquid to the heat load, wherein the second cooling loop comprises a second condenser unit, a second liquid supply line, and a second vapor return line, wherein the first vapor return line and the second vapor return line are coupled by an interconnection loop. The liquid cooling apparatus further includes a first pressure sensor coupled to the first vapor return line, a second pressure sensor coupled to the second vapor return line, and at least one main cooling source controlled based on the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor.