Autonomous Vehicle Immersion Cooling for Resilient Distributed Computing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional computing and server systems are inefficient and inflexible, particularly in decentralized networks, as they require large centralized warehouses, are susceptible to disruptions, and pose barriers for smaller entities due to high costs and limited scalability, with connectivity issues exacerbated by physical disruptions like flooding or attacks.

Innovation Solution

A distributed network utilizing liquid immersion cooling systems integrated with autonomous vehicles that can deploy mobile processing units, providing on-demand computing resources and connectivity, with each entity controlling their own facility, allowing for scalability and resilience against disruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional air cooling or liquid cooling systems are used in centralized data centers, then cooling effectiveness is achieved, but system complexity, cost, and vulnerability to disruptions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resilienceVSAvoidcooling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the centralized cooling system into distributed modular units, each capable of independent operation. These modular cooling systems can be deployed across multiple locations rather than relying on a single centralized facility, thereby improving network resilience while maintaining manageable complexity through standardization of modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by enabling cooling systems to respond to changing conditions and failures. The distributed architecture allows individual cooling modules to be dynamically activated or deactivated based on local conditions, and the system can dynamically reroute operations when disruptions occur, enhancing reliability without requiring overly complex centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If centralized processing warehouses are built to meet computing demands, then processing capacity is increased, but scalability and adaptability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capacityVSAvoidnetwork scalability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the centralized processing warehouse into distributed processing nodes across multiple locations. Each node maintains necessary computing and cooling capabilities independently, allowing the network to scale by adding or removing individual nodes without reconfiguring the entire system, thus improving both productivity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates universal modular units that can perform multiple functions - computing, cooling, and communication - within a single integrated package. These multi-functional modules can be deployed in various configurations to meet different processing demands, enhancing both productivity and scalability across diverse network requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If smaller entities want to enter the market with their own facilities, then competition and distribution increase, but cost barriers prevent entry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarket accessibilityVSAvoiddeployment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent breaks down the expensive centralized data center infrastructure into smaller, modular units that can be deployed by smaller entities. Each module contains integrated cooling and computing components that can be scaled according to budget, lowering the barrier to market entry while maintaining the ability to form larger distributed networks through collaboration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested modular architecture where smaller cooling and computing modules can be contained within larger integrated units. This allows smaller entities to start with compact, affordable deployments and progressively expand by nesting additional modules as resources become available, making market entry more accessible while preserving scalability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Reliability

If cable connections are used to support network connectivity, then data transmission is achieved, but vulnerability to physical disruptions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnectivity stabilityVSAvoidphysical disruption susceptibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network into distributed nodes with local cooling and computing capabilities, reducing dependency on long-distance cable connections. Each node can operate independently or semi-independently, so physical disruptions to cables affect only local segments rather than causing network-wide failures, thereby improving connectivity stability while reducing vulnerability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables rapid deployment of high-capacity computing resources anywhere needed, enhancing network resilience and scalability by distributing ownership and infrastructure, allowing for quick adaptation to demand and connectivity disruptions.

Implementation Method 1

computer components and other electronics may be submerged in a dielectric or electrically non-conductive liquid in order to draw heat directly from the component into the liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

The vessel can include a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from the dielectric liquid to a cooling fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12049239B2Distributed computing network comprised of autonomous vehicles carrying liquid immersion cooling platforms
Publication Date: 2024.07.30 MODINE LLC
  • US12049239B2 patent drawing
  • US12049239B2 patent drawing
  • US12049239B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An interconnected network including a plurality of autonomous vehicles is described. Each autonomous vehicle can include an immersion cooling system. The network can include a central server for determining whether there has been any network disruption. In the event of the network disruption (or when a network disruption is predicted), the central server can deploy at least one vehicle to the area to maintain the network connectivity. Upon receiving the instructions, the vehicle can drive to the area. The central server can use an artificial intelligence algorithm to make the prediction.