The present disclosure relates to a liquid immersion cooling system adapted to house computing devices, for example, a liquid immersion cooling system including a control system for optimizing the temperature of the system.
The present disclosure also relates to, for example, single phase liquid immersion cooling systems and processes which may include multi-functional compute device handles.
Traditional computing and/or server systems utilize air to cool the various components of these systems. Traditional liquid or water cooled computers utilize a flowing liquid to draw heat from computer components but avoid direct contact between the computer components and the liquid itself. The development of electrically non-conductive and/or dielectric fluid enables the use of immersion cooling in which 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. Immersion cooling can be used to reduce the total energy needed to cool computer components and may also reduce the amount of space and equipment necessary for adequate cooling. Exemplary state of the art two phase immersion cooling systems and processes are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 11,013,144 which is incorporated herein by reference.
The liquid immersion cooling systems are being implemented for various computing needs. As such, it is beneficial to describe an immersion cooling system which can be easily adapted for adjustable transfer mechanism of the dielectric fluid between a bath area and a sump area using an adjustable weir.
Advantageously, the instant application pertains to an exemplary immersion cooling system and methods for operating the system. In one example embodiment, the system can comprise a vessel which can be configured to hold a thermally conductive dielectric fluid; a computer component which can be configured to be at least partially submerged within the dielectric fluid; and a fluid circulation system which can be configured to draw the dielectric fluid from a sump area of the vessel, pass the dielectric fluid through a filter and deliver the dielectric fluid to a bath area of the vessel. In one example embodiment, there can be an adjustable weir between the bath area and the sump area.
In one example embodiment, the adjustable weir can be removably fixed to a wall between the bath area and the sump area. In one example embodiment, the adjustable weir can be fixed to a wall between the bath area and the sump area using screws. In one example embodiment, the system can include an actuator for moving the adjustable weir. In one example embodiment. the system can include a management system for receiving sensor data and instructing the actuator to move the adjustable weir. In one example embodiment. the sensor data can be a fluid level in the bath area or the sump area. In one example embodiment, the sensor data can be a temperature of the dielectric fluid in the bath area or in the sump area. In one example embodiment, the management system can be configured to instruct the actuator to asymmetrically move the adjustable weir wall.
In disclosed embodiments of the invention described below, single phase immersion cooling using oils such as mineral oil are described. Advantageously, the instant application pertains in one embodiment to a cooling system for computing components comprising: a vessel with a bottom. The vessel comprises a central reservoir comprising a heat exchanger for cooling a dielectric fluid. The vessel also comprises a first tank configured to hold one or more computer components at least partially submerged in a dielectric fluid wherein the first tank is on one side of the central reservoir. The vessel comprises a second tank configured to hold one or more computer components at least partially submerged in a dielectric fluid. The second tank is on the opposite side of the central reservoir than the first tank. The vessel comprises a perforated plate which is raised from the bottom of the vessel creating a volume between the bottom of the vessel and the perforated plate which volume comprises (1) a first volume below the central reservoir, (2) a second volume which is below the first tank, and (3) a third volume which is below the second tank. The vessel is configured such that while operating the one or more computer components the dielectric fluid is circulated from the first volume below the central reservoir to each of the second and the third volume, from the second volume to the first tank and from the third volume to the second tank, from the first tank to the central reservoir and from the second tank to the central reservoir, and from the central reservoir to the first volume below the central reservoir. This advantageously provides efficient and effective cooling for the computer components.
In another embodiment, the application pertains to a multifunctional handle for a compute device. The unique, multifunctional handle advantageously allows handling of the compute device without touching the fluid, provides for cable management, acts as a heat sink, and acts as a device identifier.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the appended claims.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features can be obtained, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting in scope, embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in order to illustrate various features of the invention. The embodiments described herein are not intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention, but rather are intended to provide examples of the components, use, and operation of the invention.
In one example embodiment, an immersion cooling system or a vessel can include a bath area, a sump area, an adjustable weir (e.g., in between the bath area and the sump area), a computing device, a robot, a pressure control system and a management system. The vessel can be a pressure controlled tank maintained at the atmospheric pressure (or within a range thereof) which can be cooled using a heat exchanger. The computing device can be immersed in a dielectric fluid in the bath area of the vessel. The computing device can be connected to a network and perform various processing and computing tasks while immersed in the dielectric fluid (or fluid). The vessel can include a lid for accessing the bath area, the computing device and the sump area. The vessel can be fluidly coupled to the pressure control system. The robot can lift the computing device from the bath area of the vessel when the lid is open. The robot can place the lifted computing device in a magazine provided for storage of computing devices or on a vehicle. The robot can also lift a computing device from the magazine (or vehicle) and place it in the place of the computing device that was lifted from the bath area. The robot can be affixed to the vessel, the vehicle or another location. In this example embodiment, the vessel can be a two-phase cooling system. In other example embodiments, the vessel can be a single-phase cooling system, which may or may not have one or more of the above referenced components.
In one example embodiment, a pump can circulate the fluid within the vessel. For example, the pump can draw the dielectric fluid from the sump area, and transfer the fluid into the bath area. The fluid can then flow over the adjustable weir and return to the sump area. In one example embodiment, the height of the adjustable weir can change, e.g., using an actuator and/or instructions provided by the management system. In one example, the depth of the dielectric fluid (or fluid) can change, e.g., as a result of removal or addition of a computing device to the bath area. The depth of the dielectric fluid can also change, e.g., if different computing components are used within the bath area. In this example embodiment, it may be beneficial to adjust the height of the adjustable weir to, e.g., regulate the flow of the dielectric fluid and/or the depth of the dielectric fluid within the bath area.
For example, in one embodiment, less fluid can be desirable in the bath area. In this example, the adjustable weir can be lowered to reduce the depth of the dielectric fluid. As another example, an arrangement of a group of computer devices performing a specific task may generate more heat compared to an average operation of a vessel. In this example, it may be desirable to include more fluid in the tank to compensate for the quick evaporation of the fluid. In this example, the height of the adjustable weir can be raised.
In one example, the management system can be configured with or without software and can be configured to receive any data generated by any of sensors included in the liquid immersion cooling system. In one example, the management system can make an adjustment, provide an alert, and/or take another appropriate action, e.g., based on a sensor reading. For example, the management system can adjust or control the adjustable weir, a heating element, adjust fluid flow or temperature, adjust a pressure, adjust a fluid level, fluid purity and/or any number of other system parameters. Such adjustments are often based on one or more sensed parameters of the liquid immersion cooling system. The sensed parameters can include, e.g., temperature (inside or outside the vessel), pressure, fluid level (in the bath area or the sump area), or power consumption of the system.
In one example embodiment, the immersion cooling system can be a single-phase immersion cooling system. For example, the immersion cooling system can include a tank that holds a volume of dielectric fluid. The tank can also be configured to hold computer components. A pump can draw the dielectric fluid from a sump area and transfer it to the tank. In this example embodiment, the pump can cause the fluid to flow over the adjustable weir into the sump area.
In one example embodiment, the adjustable weir can be coupled to a motor or actuator which can facilitate movement of the weir. In other example embodiments, the weir can removably fixed to the body of the bath area or the tank, e.g., using screws, and can be moved up or down upon, e.g., removing the screws to adjust the height of the weir.
In one example embodiment. the management system can include a module for estimating an appropriate position for the weir. For example, the module can receive sensor data such as the fluid level in the bath area or the sump area, the temperature of the fluid or the computing components, outside temperature, fluid viscosity, or other sensor data, and based on the sensor data, can determine an appropriate height for the fluid in the bath area. Subsequently, the management system can instruct a motor or an actuator to adjust the weir height accordingly. For example, if due to removal of one or more computing components the fluid level has dropped below an acceptable level, the management system can instruct the actuator to lower the adjustable weir. On the other hand, if due to addition of a computer component, the fluid level in the sump area has increased, the management system can move the weir higher so that the bath area can hold additional fluid.
In one example embodiment, the actuator can move the weir asymmetrically (e.g., moving one side more or less than the other side). Asymmetrical movement of the adjustable weir can result in, e.g., a tilted weir. Asymmetrical movement of the weir can facilitate asymmetric fluid transfer from the bath area. For example, if one side of the weir is lower than the other side, more fluid from the lower side can transfer outside of the bath area. The asymmetric movement of the weir can be beneficial when, e.g., one side of the tank is warmer than the other side, and therefore, it can be desirable for the fluid to transfer from the warmer or colder side faster than the other side.
In one embodiment the present application pertains to a single phase immersion system that may comprise a vessel configured to comprise a volume of thermally conductive dielectric fluid, e.g., mineral oil, in a liquid phase. A rack may be configured to hold one or more computer components such that the one or more computer components may be at least partially submerged within the liquid of the dielectric fluid. A heat exchanger may be employed for cooling.
In another embodiment for single phase immersion the system has two separate tanks for server placement with a center reservoir. Surrounding each tank is a weir channel that forces collection of the fluid to the center reservoir. Fluid collects in the center reservoir and is pumped into a two-sided heat exchanger, one side for fluid and one side for house cooling water. The house water and plate exchanger work together to remove heat from the fluid. From the heat exchanger, the fluid is forced into the bottom of each tank and mixed in an area below the servers and forced to flow from the bottom of each tank to the top of the tank and resultantly into the weir channels.
In this configuration a perforated plate is raised from the bottom of the vessel creating a volume between the bottom of the vessel and the perforated plate. This volume comprises (1) a first volume below the central reservoir, (2) a second volume which is below the first tank, and (3) a third volume which is below the second tank. The vessel is configured such that while operating the one or more computer components the dielectric fluid is circulated from the first volume below the central reservoir to each of the second and the third volume. from the second volume to the first tank and from the third volume to the second tank. from the first tank to the central reservoir and from the second tank to the central reservoir, and from the central reservoir to the first volume below the central reservoir. Since the pump is typically located centrally the upward flow rate through the perforated plate is not uniform and decreases with distance from the pump. Pumping the fluid non-uniformly through the plurality of holes advantageously promotes cooling efficiency.
The vessel may be configured such that while operating the one or more computer components the dielectric fluid is circulated from the first volume below the central reservoir to each of the second and the third volume, from the second volume to the first tank and from the third volume to the second tank, from the first tank to the central reservoir and from the second tank to the central reservoir, and from the central reservoir to the first volume below the central reservoir. Such a flow pattern is shown in
In some embodiments a multifunctional handle is employed with the compute devices to be cooled. The handle advantageously allows handling of the compute devices without touching the fluid, provides for cable management, acts as a heat sink, and/or acts as a device identifier.
The handle generally comprises a bar or other gripping mechanism with opposing brackets configured to mount to the computing device to be cooled. The handle height from the mounting point to the bar or other mechanism for gripping may vary depending upon the application. Generally, the height is sufficient such that the user does not have to touch the immersion fluid when removing the device. In some embodiments the handle may be made such that the height is adjustable by, for example, adding an additional bracket and/or having a telescoping assembly with a locking mechanism.
In some embodiments, the side mounting brackets may have one or more openings for to promote the flow of dielectric fluid and enhance cooling. Such openings may vary in size and shape depending upon the application. As shown in
The handle may also be employed as a heat sink to assist in cooling the computing device. That is, heat from the dielectric fluid may be transferred via conduction to the side mounting brackets and then to the bar or other gripping device and to the air to which the bar or other gripping device is exposed.
The bar or other gripping device and the mounting brackets may be comprised of the same or different material which material may vary depending upon the application. Suitable materials include, for example, metals such as aluminum, copper, steel, and mixtures thereof.
Advantageously, the portion of the handle not exposed to fluid, e.g., bar or other gripping device, may comprise an etching, a sticker, or other identifying characteristic to identify the computer device to which it is attached. In this manner, adhesive stickers or other materials do not potentially contaminate the dielectric fluid.
a vessel with a bottom wherein the vessel comprises:
a central reservoir comprising a heat exchanger for cooling a dielectric fluid;
a first tank configured to hold one or more computer components at least partially submerged in a dielectric fluid wherein the first tank is on one side of the central reservoir;
a second tank configured to hold one or more computer components at least partially submerged in a dielectric fluid wherein the second tank is on the opposite side of the central reservoir than the first tank;
a perforated plate which is raised from the bottom of the vessel creating a volume between the bottom of the vessel and the perforated plate which volume comprises (1) a first volume below the central reservoir, (2) a second volume which is below the first tank, and (3) a third volume which is below the second tank;
wherein the vessel is configured such that while operating the one or more computer components the dielectric fluid is circulated from the first volume below the central reservoir to each of the second and the third volume, from the second volume to the first tank and from the third volume to the second tank, from the first tank to the central reservoir and from the second tank to the central reservoir, and from the central reservoir to the first volume below the central reservoir.
In the preceding specification, various embodiments have been described with references to the accompanying drawings. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto, and additional embodiments may be implemented, without departing from the broader scope of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded as an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.
This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 63/327,737 filed Apr. 5, 2022 (docket 121219.0000141) and U.S. Application No. 63/327,729 filed Apr. 5, 2022 (docket 121219.0000138) which applications are incorporated herein by reference. This application is also related to PCT publication WO2020/102090 filed Nov. 11, 2019 titled “Liquid Immersion Cooling Platform” owned by TMGCore, INC which application is incorporated herein by reference.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2023/017575 | 4/5/2023 | WO |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
63327737 | Apr 2022 | US | |
63327729 | Apr 2022 | US |