U.S. patent application number 12/194669 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-25 for power generation system for an electronic system.
This patent application is currently assigned to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Yohichi Matsui, Hiroyuki Takenoshita, Takeshi Tsukamoto.
Application Number | 20100043858 12/194669 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41695190 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100043858 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Matsui; Yohichi ; et
al. |
February 25, 2010 |
POWER GENERATION SYSTEM FOR AN ELECTRONIC SYSTEM
Abstract
An electronic system includes an electronic system cabinet
housing at least one electronic system component and a power
generation system. The power generation system includes a cooling
system having a cooling medium that generates a cooling energy. The
power generation system further includes a thermoelectric
conversion element having a first side and a second side. The first
side is in a heat exchange relationship with the at least one
electronic system component and the second side is in a heat
exchange relationship with the cooling medium. Heat energy
generated by the at least one electronic system component raises a
temperature of the first side and the cooling energy generated by
the cooling medium lowers a temperature of the second side to
establish a temperature difference. The thermoelectric conversion
element produces an electro-motive force based on the temperature
difference.
Inventors: |
Matsui; Yohichi; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Takenoshita; Hiroyuki; (Kanagawa, JP) ;
Tsukamoto; Takeshi; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CANTOR COLBURN LLP-IBM BURLINGTON
20 Church Street, 22nd Floor
Hartford
CT
06103
US
|
Assignee: |
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES
CORPORATION
Armonk
NY
|
Family ID: |
41695190 |
Appl. No.: |
12/194669 |
Filed: |
August 20, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
136/205 ;
361/689; 361/724 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01L 35/28 20130101;
H05K 7/20772 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
136/205 ;
361/724; 361/689 |
International
Class: |
H01L 35/28 20060101
H01L035/28; H05K 5/00 20060101 H05K005/00; H05K 7/20 20060101
H05K007/20 |
Claims
1. An electronic system comprising: an electronic system cabinet
having at least top, rear and opposing side walls defining an
electronic system zone; at least one electronic system component
housed in the electronic system zone, the at least one electronic
system component producing heat energy; and a power generation
system mounted to the electronic system cabinet, the power
generation system including: a main housing attached to one of the
top, rear and opposing side walls of the electronic system cabinet;
a cooling system arranged within the main housing, the cooling
system including a cooling medium that generates a cooling energy;
a thermoelectric conversion element arranged within the main
housing, the thermoelectric conversion element having a first side
and a second side, the first side being in a heat exchange
relationship with the at least one electronic system component and
the second side being in a heat exchange relationship with the
cooling medium, wherein the heat energy generated by the at least
one electronic system component raises a temperature of the first
side and the cooling energy generated by the cooling medium lowers
a temperature of the second side to establish a temperature
difference, the thermoelectric conversion element producing an
electro-motive force (EMF) based on the temperature difference; and
an air guide mounted between the electronic system zone and the
thermoelectric conversion element, the air guide directing the heat
energy from the at least one electronic system component toward the
first side of the thermoelectric conversion element.
2. The electronic system according to claim 1, wherein the cooling
system includes a cooling medium conduit having a first end portion
extending to a second end portion through an intermediate portion,
the intermediate portion extending though the main housing adjacent
the electronic system zone.
3. The electronic system according to claim 2, wherein the cooling
medium conduit is fluidly connected to at least one heat exchange
member, the at least one heat exchange member adjoining the second
surface of the thermoelectric conversion element.
4. The electronic system according to claim 2, wherein the cooling
system includes a cooling medium control unit, the cooling medium
control unit circulating the cooling medium through the cooling
medium conduit.
5. The electronic system according to claim 2, wherein the cooling
medium comprises one of water and a refrigerant.
6. (canceled)
7. The electronic system according to claim 1, wherein the power
generation system includes a plurality of heat exchange fins
mounted to the first side of the thermoelectric conversion element,
the plurality of heat exchange fins guiding the heat energy from
the at least one electronic system onto the first side of the
thermoelectric conversion element.
8. The electronic system according to claim 1, wherein the
thermoelectric conversion element is a Seebeck element.
9. The electronic system according to claim 1, further comprising:
a DC/AC converter electrically connected to the thermoelectric
conversion element.
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. A power generation system for an electronic system, the power
generation system comprising: a main housing; a cooling system
arranged within the main housing, the cooling system including a
cooling medium that generates a cooling energy; a thermoelectric
conversion element arranged within the main housing, the
thermoelectric conversion element having a first side and a second
side, wherein heat energy generated by at least one electronic
system component raises a temperature of the first side and the
cooling energy generated by the cooling medium lowers a temperature
of the second side to establish a temperature difference, the
thermoelectric conversion element producing an electro-motive force
(EMF) based on the temperature difference; and an air guide
directing heat energy from the at least one electronic system
component toward the first side of the thermoelectric conversion
element.
14. The power generation system according to claim 13, wherein the
cooling system includes a cooling medium conduit having a first end
portion extending to a second end portion through an intermediate
portion, the intermediate portion extending though the main housing
adjacent the electronic system zone.
15. The power generation system according to claim 14, wherein the
cooling medium conduit is fluidly connected to at least one heat
exchange member, the at least one heat exchange member adjoining
the second surface of the thermoelectric conversion element.
16. The power generation system according to claim 14, wherein the
cooling system includes a cooling medium control unit, the cooling
medium control unit circulating the cooling medium through the
cooling medium conduit.
17. The power generation system according to claim 14, wherein the
cooling medium comprises one of water and a refrigerant.
18. (canceled)
19. The power generation system according to claim 13, further
comprising: a plurality of heat exchange fins mounted to the first
side of the thermoelectric conversion element, the plurality of
heat exchange fins guiding the heat energy from the at least one
electronic system component onto the first side of the
thermoelectric conversion element.
20. The power generation system according to claim 13, wherein the
thermoelectric conversion element is a Seebeck element.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] This invention relates to the art of electronic systems and,
more particularly, to a system for generating power from heat
produced by an electronic system.
[0002] Conventionally, electronic systems such as computer servers,
are cooled by means of forced air convention. Air conditioners
generate a cooling air flow that is directed into cabinets housing
the servers. In order to provide additional cooling, liquid cooling
systems pass a cooling fluid through the cabinets. The cooling
fluid aides the forced air convection in dissipating heat. As data
centers increase in size, thermal energy output from the servers,
in the form of exhaust gases, increases significantly.
SUMMARY
[0003] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention,
an electronic system includes an electronic system cabinet having
at least top, rear and opposing side walls defining an electronic
system zone, at least one electronic system component housed in the
electronic system zone. The at least one electronic system
component produces heat energy. The electronic system also includes
a power generation system mounted to the electronic system cabinet.
The power generation system includes a main housing attached to one
of the top, rear and opposing side walls of the electronic system
cabinet, and a cooling system arranged within the main housing. The
cooling system includes a cooling medium that generates a cooling
energy. The power generation system further includes a
thermoelectric conversion element arranged within the main housing.
The thermoelectric conversion element includes a first side and a
second side. The first side is in a heat exchange relationship with
the at least one electronic system component and the second side is
in a heat exchange relationship with the cooling medium. The heat
energy generated by the at least one electronic system component
raises a temperature of the first side and the cooling energy
generated by the cooling medium lowers a temperature of the second
side to establish a temperature difference. The thermoelectric
conversion element produces an electro-motive force (EMF) based on
the temperature difference.
[0004] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the
invention, A method of generating power using heat produced by an
electronic system includes operating at least one electronic system
component, the at least one electronic system component producing a
heat energy, circulating a cooling medium through a cooling system
to create a cooling energy, exposing a first side of a
thermoelectric conversion element to the heat energy, exposing a
second side of a thermoelectric conversion element to the cooling
energy to establish a temperature difference in the thermoelectric
conversion element, and generating an electro-motive force (EMF)
based on the temperature difference in the thermoelectric
conversion element.
[0005] In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the
invention, a power generation system for an electronic system
includes a main housing, and a cooling system arranged within the
main housing. The cooling system includes a cooling medium that
generates a cooling energy. The power generation system also
includes a thermoelectric conversion element arranged within the
main housing. The thermoelectric conversion element includes a
first side and a second side. Heat energy generated by at least one
electronic system component raises a temperature of the first side
and the cooling energy generated by the cooling medium lowers a
temperature of the second side to establish a temperature
difference. The thermoelectric conversion element producing an
electro-motive force (EMF) based on the temperature difference.
[0006] Additional features and advantages are realized through the
techniques of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Other
embodiments and aspects of the invention are described in detail
herein and are considered a part of the claimed invention. For a
better understanding of the invention with advantages and features,
refer to the description and to the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is
particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at
the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other
objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent
from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is an electronic system cabinet including a power
generation system in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the
invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a partial, cross-sectional schematic view of the
electronic system cabinet and power generation system of FIG.
1;
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a thermoelectric conversion element of
the power generation system of FIG. 2; and
[0011] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method of generating
power in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the
invention.
[0012] The detailed description explains the exemplary embodiments
of the invention, together with advantages and features, by way of
example with reference to the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] With initial reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an electronic
system constructed in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the
invention is indicated generally at 2. Electronic system 2 includes
an electronic system cabinet 4 having a main body 6. Main body 6
includes top, bottom, opposing side and rear walls 8-12 that
collectively define an electronic system zone 14. Cabinet 4 also
includes a door 16 that selectively provides access to electronic
system zone 14. Cabinet 4 is also shown to include a plurality of
electronic system components 21-23. In the exemplary embodiment
shown, electronic system components take the form of computer
servers. However, it should be readily understood that electronic
system components 21-23 can take a variety of forms. In any event,
as each electronic system component is similarly formed, a detailed
description will be made referencing electronic system component
21, with an understanding that the remaining electronic system
components 22-23 are similarly formed. Of course, the other
electronic system components could also differ without departing
from the spirit of the invention.
[0014] As best shown in FIG. 2, electronic system component 21
includes a main board 26 having mounted thereto a memory chip 28, a
processing unit 30 and a fan 33. In operation, processing unit 30
produces heat energy. Fan 33 draws in an air flow, indicated by a
plurality of arrows (not separately labeled) through, for example
door 16, over processing unit 30 to absorb the heat energy. The air
flow containing the heat energy is then passed through rear wall
12. Of course, it should be understood that the particular location
of fan 33 could vary. As will be discussed more fully below, the
heat energy produced by each electronic component is converted into
electrical energy. Towards that end, electronic system 2 includes a
power generation system 40 mounted to rear wall 12 of electronic
system cabinet 4. It should also be realized that the particular
mounting location of power generation system 40 can vary in
accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention.
[0015] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment shown, power
generation system 40 includes a main housing 44 having top, rear,
and opposing side walls 46-49. Power generation system further
includes a power generation control unit 55 operatively connected
each fan 33 and to a plurality of thermoelectric conversion
elements 64-66. As each thermoelectric conversion element is
constructed similarly, a detailed description will follow with
reference to FIG. 3 in describing thermoelectric conversion element
64. In the exemplary embodiment shown, thermoelectric conversion
element 64 comprises a Seebeck element 67 including a first side 68
and a second, opposing, side 69. First side 68 is formed from a
first metal or semiconductor and second side 69 is formed from a
second, distinct metal or semiconductor. One of the first and
second metals/semiconductors is a N-type material having a negative
temperature coefficient, while the other of the first and second
metals/semiconductors is a P-type material having a positive
temperature coefficient. First side 68 is connected to second side
69 such that when a temperature differential exists, thermoelectric
conversion element 64 produces an electro-motive force (EMF). The
strength of the electro-motive force depends on the types of
metals/semiconductors utilized on each side 68, 69 as well as the
magnitude of the temperature differential.
[0016] In further accordance with the exemplary embodiment, power
generation system 40 includes a cooling system 71 having a cooling
medium conduit 73. Cooling medium conduit 73 includes a first end
portion 76 that extends to a second end portion 77 through an
intermediate portion 78. Cooling medium conduit 73 is fluidly
connected to a plurality of heat exchange members 83-85. Each heat
exchange member 83-85 adjoins a corresponding second surface 69 of
each thermoelectric conversion element 64-66. Heat exchange members
83-85 can be in either a direct heat exchange relationship with
each thermoelectric conversion element 64-66, i.e., directly
contact a corresponding second surface 69, or in an indirect heat
exchange relationship with each thermoelectric conversion element
64-66, i.e., a thermal interface material (TIM) (not shown) is
present between each heat exchange member 83-85 the corresponding
second surface 69. With this arrangement, a cooling medium control
unit 89 pumps a cooling medium such as, but not limited to, water,
through cooling medium conduit 73. The cooling medium control unit
is operatively connected to power generation control unit 55 and is
selectively operated in response to the temperature difference
between each first and second side 68 and 69. That is, cooling
medium control unit 89 pumps the cooling medium at a desired rate
into each heat exchange member 83-85 to deliver cooling energy to
each second surface 69. In this manner, surface temperature of each
second surface is lowered.
[0017] In still further accordance with the exemplary embodiment,
power generation system 40 includes a plurality of air guides 94-96
arranged between corresponding ones of each thermoelectric
conversion element 64-66, and rear wall 12 of electronic system
cabinet 6. Air guides 94-96 directed the air flow containing the
heat energy from each electronic system component 21-23 onto
respective a respective first side 68 of each thermoelectric
conversion element 64-66. More specifically, each thermoelectric
conversion element 64-66 includes a corresponding heat exchange fin
98-100 mounted in a heat exchange relations with each first side 68
of thermoelectric conversion elements 64-66. Air guides 94-96 guide
the air flow containing the heat energy onto heat exchange fins
98-100. In this manner, surface temperature for each first surface
68 is elevated. With this configuration, a thermal difference is
established at each thermoelectric conversion element 64-66. The
thermal difference causes each thermoelectric conversion elements
64-66 to produce an electro-motive force. The elector-motive force
is passed to a DC/AC converter 104 and used to power electrical
devices.
[0018] Reference will now be made to FIG. 4 in describing a method
200 of generating power with power generation system 40. Power
generation control unit 55 senses for a temperature difference is
greater than a temperature difference required for power generation
at each thermoelectric conversion element 64-66 as indicated in
block 202. If a temperature difference is of sufficient magnitude,
power is generated as indicated in block 204, if the temperature
difference is not of sufficient magnitude, power generation control
unit 55 senses whether each first side 68 is at an established hot
temperature limit value for power generation. If any first side 68
is below the hot temperature limit value, power generation control
unit 55 increases a speed of the corresponding fan 33 as indicated
in block 208. A determination is then made whether the temperature
difference is of sufficient magnitude for power generation as
indicated in block 210 and, if so, power is generated as indicated
in block 212. If not additional checks are made as discussed
below.
[0019] In addition to determining that all first sides 68 are at
the hot temperature limit value, a determination is made whether
each second side 69 is at a cold temperature limit value for power
generation as indicated in block 214. If any second side 69 is
above the cold temperature limit value, power generation control
unit 55 increases a flow rate of the cooling medium by increasing
output from cooling medium control unit 89 as indicated in block
216. A determination is then made whether the temperature
difference is of sufficient magnitude for power generation as
indicated in block 218 and, if so, power is generated as indicated
in block 220. If not, power generation control unit 55 continues
monitoring until the temperature difference is of sufficient
magnitude for power generation so that power can be generated. At
this point it should be realizes that the exemplary embodiments of
the invention provide a simple cost effective mechanism for
utilizing heat energy from exhaust gases generated in an electronic
system cabinet to create additional power that is used to operate
various electrical devices such as, but not limited to,
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units, mobile devices, battery
chargers, and to secure electric power for illumination and/or air
conditioning.
[0020] The flow diagram depicted herein is just an example. There
may be many variations to this diagram or the steps (or operations)
described therein without departing from the spirit of the
invention. For instance, the steps may be performed in a differing
order, or steps may be added, deleted or modified. All of these
variations are considered a part of the claimed invention.
[0021] While the preferred embodiment to the invention has been
described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art,
both now and in the future, may make various improvements and
enhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which
follow. These claims should be construed to maintain the proper
protection for the invention first described.
* * * * *