System and method for delivering cooling water to submerged data processing equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data centers submerged in cooling water face challenges with marine life growth impacting heat transfer efficiency, requiring frequent and costly maintenance, and energy-intensive cooling methods that disrupt operations.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a structure partially submerged in water with an internal volume and inlet pipe to pump cold water from depth, maintaining an overpressure flow path for efficient cooling, reducing marine growth through opaque design and controlled flow, and utilizing heat exchangers for heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If data centres are submerged in cooling water, then cooling efficiency is improved, but marine life growth on heat exchangers impacts heat transfer efficiency and requires frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful element (marine life) from the system by using a closed-loop cooling system where water is continuously circulated through heat exchangers and filtered, preventing marine life attachment and maintaining consistent heat transfer efficiency while preserving the benefits of water cooling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary closed-loop water circulation system between the data centre and the external water source. This intermediate system includes pumps, heat exchangers, and filtration mechanisms that allow efficient heat transfer without direct exposure to marine life, thus maintaining cooling efficiency while preventing biofouling
2Reliability
If regular cleaning is performed to remove marine life, then heat transfer efficiency is maintained, but operational downtime increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous water circulation and filtration within a closed-loop system, ensuring that heat transfer surfaces remain clean without requiring periodic shutdowns for maintenance. The continuous flow prevents marine life accumulation, maintaining heat transfer efficiency and operational availability simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The closed-loop cooling system is designed to self-maintain through continuous filtration and circulation, automatically preventing marine life attachment without requiring external intervention or manual cleaning, thus eliminating operational downtime while maintaining heat transfer efficiency
3Temperature
If energy-intensive cooling methods are used, then cooling performance is maintained, but energy costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces energy-intensive mechanical cooling systems (compressors, condensers) with a passive water-based cooling system that utilizes natural convection and heat exchange with ambient water. Pumps are used only to circulate water, consuming minimal energy compared to traditional air conditioning systems, thus maintaining cooling performance while dramatically reducing energy costs
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
Provides efficient, energy-saving cooling with reduced marine growth and maintenance needs, ensuring reliable operation of submerged data centers.
Implementation Method 1
an inlet pipe configured with a pump to move water from the body of water to the internal volume of water
Implementation Method 2
the second waterline is at a height above the first waterline to drive the flow path
Implementation Method 3
a flow path of water across the container towards the at least one outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A system is for cooling at least one computing device using water. The system has a body of water defining a first waterline and a structure at least partially submerged in the body of water. An internal volume of water defines a second waterline. At least one outlet drains water from the internal volume of water to the body of water. A container is at least partially submerged in the internal volume of water and has at least one computing device that generates heat in use. An inlet pipe has a pump to move water from the body of water to the internal volume of water. A flow path of water is provided across the container towards the at least one outlet. The second waterline is at a height above the first waterline to drive the flow path to provide cooling of the container and computing device therein.