Water-Cooled Pre-System Layout for Space-Constrained Data Hall Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data halls with tightly packed processing units face challenges in efficient cooling due to space constraints, necessitating a cooling system that effectively removes heat while optimizing space usage.
Innovation Solution
A water-cooled pre-system comprising a condenser assembly, heat exchanger system, and refrigerant circulation units that direct cold water and refrigerant flows for efficient heat exchange, with components located both inside and outside the building to optimize space and cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional cooling systems are used in tightly packed data halls, then cooling capacity is sufficient, but space consumption is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the heat exchanger rods directly within the processing unit housing, and by integrating the condenser assembly within the existing cabinet structure. The heat exchanger rods are nested inside the processing unit enclosure, and the condenser assembly is nested within the cabinet framework, maximizing space utilization while maintaining adequate cooling capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional three-dimensional cooling systems to a two-dimensional plate heat exchanger configuration. The heat exchanger uses plate-style rods that exchange heat efficiently across surfaces, reducing the vertical and horizontal footprint while maintaining cooling effectiveness through enhanced surface area contact.
2Temperature
If cooling components are placed inside the building, then cooling efficiency is high, but space constraints are exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into distinct functional components: the heat exchanger rods are placed inside the building for efficient heat exchange with processing units, while the condenser assembly is positioned in the outdoor environment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned for its specific function, maintaining cooling efficiency while minimizing indoor space consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger rods serve as an intermediary between the indoor processing units and the outdoor condenser assembly. They facilitate heat transfer from the processing units to the refrigerant, which then carries the heat to the outdoor condenser for dissipation, enabling efficient cooling without requiring all cooling components to be located indoors.
3Temperature
If heat exchanger rods are used for water cooling, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger rods are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as water cooling conduits and as structural support elements within the processing unit housing. The same rod structure that facilitates water flow for cooling also provides mechanical support and housing definition, reducing the need for separate components and thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced heat exchange mechanism.
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 system provides effective cooling for processing units by exchanging heat between coolant and refrigerant, maintaining system integrity and efficiency, and ensuring adequate cooling without overheating.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger system having one or more rods in a cabinet and fluidically communicating with the outdoor unit and indoor unit, the heat exchanger system configured to receive coolant from the indoor unit through a first path of each of the one or more rods and to receive refrigerant through a second path of each of the one or more rods for heat exchange between coolant and refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
each of the one or more rods being configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the coolant
Implementation Method 3
a pump configured to circulate coolant
Implementation Method 4
a condenser assembly configured to direct a flow of water to one or more processing units using one or more rods of a heat exchanger assembly
Implementation Method 5
direct a flow of water to one or more processing units using one or more rods
Implementation Method 6
an outdoor unit disposed outside a building and configured to circulate refrigerant
Implementation Method 7
a heat exchanger system having one or more rods in a cabinet and fluidically communicating with the outdoor unit and indoor unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for data center cooling includes: a first cooling unit configured to circulate refrigerant; a second cooling unit configured to circulate coolant; and a heat exchanger system in fluid communication with the first cooling unit and the second cooling unit, the heat exchanger system being configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the coolant.