Server Cooling via Immersion in Insulating Liquid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional server facility cooling systems rely heavily on energy-consuming fans and air conditioning systems, leading to high operational costs and inefficiencies in heat transfer.
Innovation Solution
A server cooling system utilizing an electrically insulating liquid to absorb heat from submerged servers, with a heat exchanger and a vertically extending cooling loop that passively circulates coolant between an air-cooled and ground-cooled portion, minimizing energy expenditure by relying on convection and potentially assisted by pumps or fans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional air cooling systems with fans and air conditioners are used, then servers can be cooled, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies liquid cooling instead of air cooling by submerging servers in an electrically insulating liquid. The liquid cooling system with heat exchangers and cooling loops removes heat from server components more efficiently than air cooling, reducing the energy required for temperature control while maintaining effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the cooling medium from gas (air) to liquid (electrically insulating liquid), exploiting the superior heat transfer properties of liquids. This parameter change enables more efficient heat removal from servers, reducing the energy consumption of the cooling system while maintaining effective temperature control.
2Temperature
If air cooling is used in server facilities, then cooling can be provided, but heat transfer efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements liquid cooling by immersing servers in an electrically insulating liquid, which has superior heat transfer properties compared to air. The liquid cooling system with heat exchangers and circulation loops achieves significantly higher heat transfer efficiency, improving the overall productivity and effectiveness of the cooling system.
3Temperature
If liquid cooling is implemented, then heat transfer efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is designed to be self-regulating, using the heat-driven circulation of liquid through heat exchangers and cooling loops. The system leverages natural convection and phase change principles to maintain cooling effectiveness without requiring complex external control mechanisms, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining high heat transfer efficiency.
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 approach enhances heat transfer efficiency and reduces energy consumption by leveraging the superior heat transfer capabilities of liquids, allowing for effective cooling of servers without additional energy expenditure, potentially leading to increased component lifespan and performance.
Implementation Method 1
Liquids allow the transfer of more heat from computer components being cooled than air... At least a portion of the heat generated by the servers is transferred to the liquid
Implementation Method 2
A heat exchanger is positioned between the coolant tank and the cooling loop to transfer heat from the liquid to the cooling loop
Implementation Method 3
The coolant can passively circulate in the cooling loop by convection
Implementation Method 4
an elongate cooling loop extends vertically between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is located in the surrounding air and the second end is located underground
Implementation Method 5
the first end is located in the surrounding air... to enhance the air cooling of the first end of the cooling loop
Data Source
AI summary
Technology is provided for a server facility cooling system. The system can include a coolant tank containing an electrically insulating liquid and one or more servers submerged in the liquid. At least a portion of the heat generated by the servers is transferred to the liquid. An elongate cooling loop extends vertically between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is located in the air and the second end is located underground. A heat exchanger is positioned between the coolant tank and the cooling loop to transfer heat from the liquid to the cooling loop. A cylindrical cooling tower is positioned around the first end of the cooling loop.