Variable Valve Liquid Manifold for Uniform Coolant Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid cooling systems in information handling systems face challenges with uneven coolant distribution due to friction losses and impedance changes when computing nodes are added or removed, affecting thermal performance and pump efficiency, especially in heterogeneous equipment setups.
Innovation Solution
A manifold system with programmable variable valves is used to control coolant flow rates independently to each information handling system, allowing for precise management of coolant fluid flow through fluidic conduits, coupled with a chassis management controller for real-time telemetry-driven adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If liquid cooling manifolds are used to distribute coolant fluid to multiple information handling systems, then cooling capability is improved, but uneven distribution of coolant fluid occurs due to friction losses in the fluidic channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable valves at each manifold outlet that can dynamically adjust their opening degree based on real-time flow rate feedback. This dynamic adjustment compensates for friction losses in different fluidic channels, ensuring uniform coolant distribution to each information handling system despite varying channel impedances
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates flow rate sensors at each manifold outlet that continuously monitor the actual flow rate delivered to each information handling system. This feedback signal is used by the control unit to adjust the variable valves, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains uniform coolant distribution
2Adaptability or versatility
If computing nodes are added or removed from the rack, then system flexibility is improved, but the overall impedance of the fluid network is altered and impacts flow rate to individual nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The variable valves are controlled to adjust their opening degrees dynamically based on the current rack configuration. When nodes are added or removed, the control unit receives updated flow rate measurements and adjusts each valve independently to compensate for changes in overall network impedance, maintaining uniform flow distribution across remaining nodes
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow resistance parameter of each fluidic channel by adjusting the variable valve opening degrees. This allows the system to adapt to different rack configurations and maintain optimal flow rates to each information handling system despite changes in network topology
3Adaptability or versatility
If heterogeneous equipment and liquid cooling nodes are installed in a rack, then system versatility is improved, but fluid flow distribution becomes uneven and impacts thermal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different valve opening degrees to different manifold outlets based on the specific cooling requirements of each information handling system. This localized control allows heterogeneous equipment with different thermal characteristics to receive appropriate coolant flow rates, ensuring consistent thermal performance across diverse workloads
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit adjusts the flow resistance parameter of each fluidic channel independently to match the thermal requirements of different information handling systems. This allows the system to accommodate heterogeneous equipment while maintaining optimal thermal performance for each node
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 ensures even coolant distribution, enhancing thermal performance and pump efficiency by allowing for dynamic control of coolant flow rates based on real-time thermal requirements, thereby maintaining optimal operating conditions across diverse equipment configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the variable valves are programmable to control a flow rate of coolant fluid through the variable valves in order to independently control a first flow rate of the coolant fluid to a first information handling system
Implementation Method 2
a heat-exchanging cold plate is thermally coupled to the component, and a chilled fluid is passed through conduits internal to the cold plate to remove heat from the component
Implementation Method 3
a chilled fluid is passed through conduits internal to the cold plate to remove heat from the component
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a plurality of information handling systems and a manifold fluidically coupled to each of the plurality of information handling systems via respective fluidic conduits and further configured to couple to a cooling distribution unit, the manifold comprising a plurality of variable valves wherein the variable valves are programmable to control a flow rate of coolant fluid through the variable valves in order to independently control a first flow rate of the coolant fluid to a first information handling system of the plurality of information handling systems and a second flow rate of the coolant fluid to a second information handling system of the plurality of information handling systems.