Liquid-Cooled Server Rack Modules With Thermo-Osmotic Heat Exchange
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cooling methods for high-density GPU rack data centers are inadequate in efficiently managing heat dissipation, leading to increased device temperatures and potential thermal runaway conditions, while existing multi-metric views like PUE fail to provide a nuanced and scalable assessment of data center performance.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system utilizing modular, liquid-cooled heat exchangers with thermo-osmotic membranes and detachable cold plates to manage heat transfer efficiently, incorporating automatic valves for temperature regulation and circulation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional air cooling methods are used for high-density GPU racks, then device temperatures increase and thermal runaway conditions occur, but cooling efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from air cooling to liquid cooling systems, using hydraulic principles to circulate coolant through cold plates and heat exchangers. The liquid cooling system includes pumps, reservoirs, and circulation conduits that efficiently transport cooling fluid to and from the server modules, enabling effective heat removal from high-density GPU racks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cold plates as intermediary components that directly contact the server modules to conduct heat away from heat-generating components. These cold plates serve as thermal intermediaries between the server hardware and the circulating coolant, enabling efficient heat transfer from the source to the cooling system.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple server modules are stacked together to optimize space utilization, then floor space is minimized, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling system into modular components including individual cold plates for each server module, separate circulation conduits, and distributed heat exchangers. This segmentation allows each module to be cooled independently while maintaining compact stacking, enabling effective heat management in high-density configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested cooling architecture where cold plates are integrated within server modules, circulation conduits are embedded in the rack structure, and heat exchangers are positioned to serve multiple levels. This nested arrangement allows multiple server modules to be stacked vertically while maintaining efficient heat dissipation pathways throughout the compact configuration.
3Loss of energy
If liquid cooling systems are implemented, then heat removal efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal cooling system that can accommodate different server module configurations and heat loads through adjustable circulation rates and variable coolant flow paths. The system includes multi-functional components such as heat exchangers that can serve multiple server modules simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high heat removal 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
Enhances thermal management by effectively reducing server module temperatures and improving energy efficiency, enabling a more comprehensive assessment of data center performance beyond PUE.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature of the cooling medium facing the hot plate element is regulated by transfer of heat from the cooling medium facing the hot plate element through the thermo-osmotic membrane to the hot plate element
Implementation Method 2
cold plates positioned within the racked server unit and configured to transfer heat from the server modules to the cooling medium
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cooling system and method for regulating environmental conditions of a racked server unit having a plurality of server modules. The system comprises of an inlet line connected to a plurality of circulation conduits, wherein the plurality of circulation conduits receive a cooling medium from the inlet line, and the circulation conduits circulates the cooling medium through the racked server unit. A plurality of cold plates are positioned within the racked server unit, wherein one or more of the plurality of cold plates are thermally coupled to each of the plurality of server modules, and the plurality of cold plates are connected to one or more of the plurality of circulation conduits. An outlet line is connected to the plurality of circulation conduits, wherein the outlet line receives the cooling medium circulated through the racked server unit from the plurality of circulation conduits. A heat exchanger comprising a hot plate element, a cold plate element, and a thermo-osmotic membrane positioned between the hot plate element and the cold plate element, wherein the outlet line transfers the cooling medium circulated through the racked server unit to the hot plate element and the temperature of the cooling medium facing the hot plate element is regulated by transfer of heat from the cooling medium facing the hot plate element through the thermo-osmotic membrane to the hot plate element.