Air-Assisted Liquid Cooling Control for Server Enclosure Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Direct coupling of cooling systems in air-assisted and liquid-cooled enclosures to electronic components is inefficient and costly due to the need for labor-intensive recalibration when configuration changes occur, such as adding, removing, or replacing components, leading to downtime in computing facilities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control system with a controller communicatively coupled to sensors to automatically adjust coolant source and air mover operations based on process variables, allowing for real-time tuning to accommodate configuration changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the cooling system is directly coupled to the configuration of electronic components, then the cooling system can be simplified in structure, but it requires labor-intensive recalibration when configuration changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors process variables (pressure, flow rate, temperature) from sensors and automatically adjusts pump and air mover operations based on real-time feedback. This closed-loop control eliminates the need for manual recalibration when electronic components are added, removed, or replaced, as the system self-adjusts to maintain optimal cooling conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system performs self-tuning and self-adjustment through automated control algorithms that process sensor data and modify system operations accordingly. The system serves itself by detecting configuration changes and autonomously recalibrating without human intervention, thereby eliminating labor-intensive manual recalibration processes.
2Reliability
If manual recalibration is performed when configuration changes occur, then the cooling system can be adjusted to match new conditions, but it introduces downtime and increases operational cost
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system operates continuously without interruption, maintaining optimal cooling performance throughout. The automated control system ensures continuous adaptation to configuration changes without requiring system shutdowns or manual intervention, thereby eliminating downtime associated with manual recalibration while maintaining reliable cooling performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time monitoring of process variables enables the control system to detect configuration changes and automatically adjust operations continuously. This feedback mechanism ensures the cooling system adapts to new conditions without requiring manual recalibration that would cause downtime, thereby maintaining both reliability and continuous operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the cooling system is recalibrated manually, then it can be optimized for new component configurations, but it increases operational cost and requires specialized personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment processes with an automated electronic control system. The controller processes sensor data and automatically adjusts pump and air mover operations through electrical control signals, eliminating the need for manual recalibration by specialized personnel and reducing operational costs while maintaining precise cooling optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs automated tuning and optimization without requiring manual intervention or specialized personnel. The system self-adjusts to optimal performance conditions by processing sensor feedback and automatically modifying operations, thereby eliminating the cost and complexity of manual recalibration while maintaining manufacturing precision in cooling optimization.
4Ease of operation
If cooling system components are calibrated to fixed operating conditions, then the system is easier to operate, but it cannot accommodate configuration changes in electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The control system transitions from fixed, static calibration to dynamic, real-time adjustment. The system continuously monitors process variables and automatically adjusts pump and air mover operations to match changing electronic component configurations. This dynamic adaptation maintains ease of operation while providing full flexibility to accommodate additions, removals, or replacements of electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The real-time feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain simple, intuitive operation while adapting to configuration changes. The control system processes sensor data continuously and automatically adjusts operations, providing both ease of operation (no manual intervention needed) and adaptability (automatic adjustment to new configurations) simultaneously.
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 control system efficiently maintains optimal cooling conditions by automatically adjusting pump speed and air flow to match changing heat and flow characteristics, reducing the need for manual recalibration and minimizing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
The coolant can then flow through the jacket to remove generated heat from the electronic components
Implementation Method 2
The coolant can then flow through the jacket to remove generated heat from the electronic components before being collected at an outlet manifold
Implementation Method 3
the enclosure can include a radiator to dissipate the absorbed heat from the cooing fluid to cooling air flowing through the enclosure
Implementation Method 4
the enclosure can include a radiator to dissipate the absorbed heat from the cooing fluid to cooling air flowing through the enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for controlling cooling of electronic components in computing facilities are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting a pressure drop of a coolant flowing across multiple servers in an enclosure between the inlet and outlet manifolds and a supply temperature of the coolant at the inlet manifold. The method further includes automatically adjust operations of the pump to maintain the calculated pressure drop at or near a pressure-drop setpoint while automatically adjusting operations of the air mover to maintain the supply temperature at or near a temperature setpoint.