Two-Phase Immersion Cooling With Active Vapor Pressure Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing two-phase immersion cooling systems face challenges such as fluid loss, inefficiency, high energy consumption, and impracticality due to pressure fluctuations and fluid depletion, particularly in compact data center applications.

Innovation Solution

A two-phase immersion cooling apparatus with active vapor management system that includes a primary condenser and an auxiliary condenser, controlled by a vapor management system with sensors and valves to regulate pressure and condense vapor efficiently, minimizing fluid loss and energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a two-phase immersion cooling system is used, then cooling efficiency is improved, but pressure control becomes difficult and fluid loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidpressure control
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs pressure-dependent valve mechanisms that automatically adjust system parameters based on pressure conditions. When pressure exceeds predetermined thresholds, valves open to release vapor; when pressure drops below thresholds, valves close to retain vapor. This dynamic parameter adjustment maintains reliable pressure control while preserving cooling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates pressure sensors that continuously monitor vapor pressure and provide feedback to control valves. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic pressure regulation, preventing both over-pressurization and excessive fluid loss while maintaining optimal cooling performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of substance

If vapor condensation is enhanced, then fluid loss is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid lossVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The condensation system is segmented into multiple independent pressure-controlled valves distributed at different locations and pressure thresholds. This segmentation allows gradual, staged condensation control rather than requiring a single complex centralized system, reducing overall system complexity while effectively minimizing fluid loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses self-regulating pressure-controlled valves that automatically open or close based on local pressure conditions without requiring external control mechanisms. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex control systems while achieving effective vapor condensation and fluid retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If pressure relief valves are used, then safety is improved, but fluid depletion occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidfluid depletion
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional pressure relief valves with pressure-controlled condensation valves that change their operational parameter from pure pressure relief to pressure-dependent vapor condensation. These valves operate below full pressure relief thresholds, condensing vapor back to liquid form and returning it to the cooling system, thereby maintaining safety while preventing fluid depletion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Area of stationary object

If compact data center design is implemented, then space efficiency is improved, but cooling system practicality decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace efficiencyVSAvoidcooling system practicality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The compact immersion cooling system employs self-regulating pressure-controlled valves that automatically manage vapor condensation based on local pressure conditions. This eliminates the need for complex external control systems, making the compact design equally practical and reliable despite the reduced space available for traditional cooling infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The apparatus effectively manages vapor pressure and condenses vapor back to liquid, reducing fluid loss and energy consumption, making it suitable for compact data centers with minimal fluid replenishment needs.

Implementation Method 1

a primary condenser in thermal communication with the interior volume

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 2

The apparatus effectively manages vapor pressure and condenses vapor back to liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 3

an auxiliary condenser in thermal communication with the interior volume of the condensing chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 4

condenses vapor efficiently, minimizing fluid loss and energy consumption

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 5

two-phase immersion cooling apparatus for cooling electronic devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 6

Direct liquid cooling systems

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4190136B1Two-phase immersion cooling apparatus with active vapor management
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 LIQUIDSTACK HLDG BV
  • EP4190136B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4190136B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4190136B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A two-phase immersion cooling apparatus may include an immersion tank with a primary condenser in thermal communication with an interior volume of the immersion tank and a vapor management system fluidically connected to the immersion tank. The vapor management system may enable the apparatus to effectively manage periods of high vapor production by removing vapor and other gases from a headspace of the immersion tank, condensing the vapor to liquid, and returning the liquid to the immersion tank.