Three-way flow controller paths for datacenter cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Datacenter cooling systems face challenges in efficiently addressing varying cooling requirements due to changing computing loads, particularly in high heat density environments, where single-phase and two-phase cooling methods have limitations in terms of wear and tear and heat removal capacity.
Innovation Solution
A datacenter cooling system employing three-way flow controller paths for single-phase and two-phase cooling, allowing for independent or combined use of single-phase and two-phase fluids to address cooling requirements, with a hybrid cooling media approach using a coolant and refrigerant, and a network of coolant and refrigerant loops for efficient heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If single-phase cooling is used, then the cooling system operates with simpler plumbing, but the heat removal capacity is insufficient for high heat density environments
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple independent flow paths: a single-phase cooling path and a two-phase cooling path. This allows the system to selectively activate only the required cooling mode based on thermal load, maintaining plumbing simplicity for single-phase operation while providing high-capacity two-phase cooling when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between single-phase and two-phase cooling modes using flow controllers that adjust in real-time based on thermal load conditions. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to optimize between plumbing simplicity and heat removal capacity as operating conditions change.
2Reliability
If two-phase cooling is used, then the heat removal capacity increases for high heat density environments, but the wear and tear on plumbing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates two-phase cooling into a dedicated flow path that is only activated when high heat removal capacity is required. During normal operation, only the single-phase path is active, minimizing wear on two-phase plumbing components while maintaining the capability for high-capacity cooling when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial action by activating two-phase cooling only to the extent necessary for high heat density conditions. The flow controllers limit two-phase fluid flow to match actual cooling demands, reducing unnecessary wear on two-phase plumbing components while providing sufficient heat removal capacity when required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hybrid cooling system with multiple flow paths is used, then the adaptability to different thermal loads improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow controllers are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as isolation valves and as flow regulation devices. This universal design reduces the total number of control components needed, managing device complexity while maintaining the ability to independently control single-phase and two-phase cooling paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary components (flow controllers and isolation valves) that mediate between the cooling sources and the cold plates. These intermediaries provide centralized control points that simplify the management of multiple flow paths, reducing overall system complexity while enabling flexible adaptation to different thermal loads.
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 enables flexible and economical cooling solutions by reducing wear on plumbing, optimizing heat removal, and adapting to different thermal loads, ensuring efficient operation across a range of cooling demands.
Implementation Method 1
a first flow path for a single-phase fluid to flow from a coolant distribution unit (CDU) to a cold plate
Implementation Method 2
single-phase fluid to flow from a coolant distribution unit (CDU) to a cold plate or a second flow path for the single-phase fluid to flow from the CDU to a heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
a third flow path of a two-phase fluid to flow to the cold plate or a fourth flow path for the two-phase fluid to flow to a heat exchanger to be cooled by the single-phase fluid
Implementation Method 4
two-phase cooling methods have limitations in terms of wear and tear and heat removal capacity
Implementation Method 5
a fourth flow path for the two-phase fluid to flow to a heat exchanger to be cooled by the single-phase fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for cooling a datacenter are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, a first three-way flow controller is associated with a single-phase fluid and a second three-way flow controller is associated with a two-phase fluid, with a first three-way flow controller to enable a first flow path of a single-phase fluid from a coolant distribution unit to a cold plate or to enable a second flow path to a heat exchanger to cool a two-phase fluid to be used in a cold plate, and with a second three-way flow controller to enable a third flow path of a two-phase fluid to a cold plate or to enable a fourth flow path to a heat exchanger.