Thermoelectric Fluid Distribution Module for Server Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid-cooling systems for data centers face inefficiencies due to heat loss during fluid distribution and collection, which impacts overall system performance and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
An energy-generating fluid distribution module with a thermoelectric device (TED) sandwiched between supply and return distributors, converting thermal energy into electrical energy, thereby enhancing cooling and power systems efficiency and reducing heat loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If existing fluid distributors are used for cooling IT equipment, then heat removal function is achieved, but significant heat loss occurs which impacts overall system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful heat loss from the fluid distribution process into a beneficial resource by integrating a thermoelectric generator that captures the temperature difference between hot and cold fluids to generate electricity. This transforms the previously wasted thermal energy into useful electrical power, directly addressing the energy loss problem while improving overall system efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid distribution module is enhanced to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it continues to provide cooling by distributing cold fluid and collecting hot fluid, while also generating electrical energy through the integrated thermoelectric device. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the cooling system also contribute to power generation, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing heat removal capability
2Temperature
If IT equipment incorporates internal liquid cooling systems to handle increasing heat, then heat removal capability is improved, but energy consumption for heat extraction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the thermoelectric generator continuously monitors and utilizes the temperature difference between the hot and cold fluids circulating through the system. This feedback loop converts the thermal energy that would otherwise be lost into electrical power, which can be used to offset the energy consumption of the cooling system, thereby reducing net energy usage while maintaining effective heat removal
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 solution increases server operation efficiency, improves data center cooling efficiency, and enables the reuse of thermal energy, reducing carbon emissions while maintaining system reliability and compatibility with existing infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric device (TED) sandwiched between the distributors... converting thermal energy into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are disclosed of a fluid distribution apparatus. The fluid distribution apparatus includes a hot manifold including a hot chamber fluidly coupled to one or more fluid return inlets and a main fluid return outlet, and a cold manifold including a cold chamber fluidly coupled to a main fluid supply inlet and one or more fluid supply outlets. A thermoelectric device is sandwiched between the hot manifold and the cold manifold so that the thermoelectric device is in thermal contact with the hot chamber and in thermal contact with the cold chamber. The apparatus is connected to either a server energy storage unit or a rack mounted energy unit through dedicated busbar.