Server Rack Hybrid Cooling with Outdoor Chiller
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling methods for server rack systems, such as hot swap conduction and convection, are unreliable in maintaining a specified temperature range, leading to reduced efficiency and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid cooling system combining conductive heat transfer between a heat sink and server rack with a chiller unit for convective cooling, utilizing a liquid cooling system with a heat exchanger and outdoor chiller unit to efficiently manage heat and maintain a constant temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If hot swap conduction is used to transfer heat from server rack to heat sink, then heat transfer is achieved, but the heat sink reaches equilibrium temperature with server rack reducing cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by cycling the heat sink between contact and non-contact states with the server rack. The actuator periodically moves the heat sink into contact with the server rack to transfer heat, then moves it away to prevent equilibrium, maintaining continuous cooling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat sink is made dynamic through the actuator mechanism that can move it between different positions. This dynamic positioning allows the system to optimize heat transfer by controlling contact duration and pressure, preventing thermal equilibrium while maximizing cooling efficiency.
2Temperature
If convection cooling with fans is used to cool server rack, then cooling is provided, but swirling air currents re-introduce heated air over the heat source reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by directing cooling air specifically to the heat sink contact area and using targeted airflow paths. The fan positions and airflow direction are optimized to cool only the necessary regions, preventing heated air from circulating back over the heat source while maintaining effective cooling where needed.
3Temperature
If outdoor chiller unit is positioned remote from heat sink, then heat environment near heat sink is not increased, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into distinct functional components: the heat sink contact apparatus positioned near the server rack for direct heat transfer, and the chiller unit positioned remotely outdoors to handle heat rejection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing thermal interference in the server rack environment.
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 hybrid system effectively maintains a specified temperature range for server components, enhancing efficiency and reducing overall power consumption by leveraging both conductive and convective cooling methods.
Implementation Method 1
The hot swap apparatus can provide cooling by conduction of the heat, whereby the heat is transferred from the higher temperature heat sink to a lower temperature heat sink
Implementation Method 2
A cooled liquid, provided by a chiller or chiller unit, flows through the radiator to maintain a constant, specified temperature within the radiator
Implementation Method 3
A series of fans draws a coolant gas through the radiator to effect heat transfer from the liquid coolant in the radiator to the coolant gas
Implementation Method 4
Another conventional approach to reducing temperatures of the server rack system includes implementing a convection cooling system. In a convection cooling system a cooling fluid, usually air, traverses a heat source using fans
Data Source
AI summary
A method of maintaining a server rack within a predetermined temperature range, including the removal of heat from the server rack by both conductive and convective heat transfer. Thermal contact structure is placed between the server rack and a heat sink. The heat sink may be in the form of a housing containing a radiator in one wall, and a bank of fans in an opposite wall to draw a coolant gas through the radiator. The coolant gas contacts the heat sink and a portion of the coolant gas is directed towards the server rack. Cooling liquid is supplied to the radiator by a chiller, which can be adjacent to the heat sink or located remotely from the heat sink.