Smart Cold Plate Valve Switching for Redundant Cooling Loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid cooling systems for IT infrastructures face risks of coolant leakage leading to system shutdowns due to single-loop failures, necessitating complete shutdowns of healthy nodes.
Innovation Solution
A smart cold plate with redundant coolant loops and a 4-position 3-way/port directional solenoid valve that allows selective control of coolant flow, enabling continuous cooling capacity by isolating failed loops and maintaining cooling for healthy nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-loop coolant configuration is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because coolant leakage causes system-wide shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into multiple independent coolant loops (first coolant loop and second coolant loop) that can operate separately. Each loop has its own pump, radiator, and flow control capabilities, allowing isolation of failures to specific segments while maintaining cooling in other segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between single-loop and dual-loop configurations using solenoid valves (first and second solenoid valves) that redirect coolant flow based on operational conditions, enabling adaptability between normal operation and failure recovery modes.
2Reliability
If redundant coolant loops are implemented, then the reliability is improved by preventing system-wide shutdowns, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cold plate is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be cooled by the first coolant loop, the second coolant loop, or both simultaneously. The same cold plate structure accommodates different cooling configurations without requiring separate cooling devices for each loop.
Solution Approach 2:
Solenoid valves act as intermediaries that control and redirect coolant flow between different loops and the cold plate. These valves enable dynamic reconfiguration of the cooling system without manual intervention, automatically routing coolant based on system state.
3Reliability
If coolant flow is redirected to isolate a failed loop, then the reliability is improved by maintaining cooling for healthy nodes, but the fluid flow control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system automatically detects failures and redirects coolant flow without external intervention. The solenoid valves respond to system conditions (such as pressure differentials or control signals) to self-regulate flow distribution, isolating failed loops and maintaining cooling for operational nodes autonomously.
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
Ensures continuous cooling capacity and node isolation in the event of failures or services, preventing shutdowns and maintaining 100% cooling capacity for healthy nodes.
Implementation Method 1
a 4-position 3-way/port directional solenoid valve allows selective control of coolant flow
Implementation Method 2
a liquid (e.g., water-based, coolant-based, and/or other liquids) is configured to move through a liquid path such that the liquid flows by heat-producing components, causing the heat to be dissipated
Data Source
AI summary
A device and systems for cooling hardware components is disclosed. The smart cold plate (CP) device includes a first inlet port for supplying a first coolant path, a second inlet port for supplying a second coolant path, and a valve for selectively controlling a flow of a coolant between the first and second inlet ports and an internal port, the internal port connecting the first and second inlet ports to a CP. The device also includes an external port connected to the CP for removing the coolant from the smart CP device and a connector through which power is supplied to the valve. Various cooling systems incorporating the smart CP device are disclosed.