U.S. patent application number 12/323261 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-02 for globally cooled computer system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Isothermal Systems Research, Inc.. Invention is credited to Tony E. Hyde, Randall T. Palmer, Charles L. Tilton, Donald E. Tilton.
Application Number | 20110127014 12/323261 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37393820 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110127014 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tilton; Charles L. ; et
al. |
June 2, 2011 |
GLOBALLY COOLED COMPUTER SYSTEM
Abstract
A globally cooled computer system for providing liquid cooling
to a plurality of electrical components. The globally cooled
computer system includes an electronics unit having a plurality of
electronics components attached to a plurality of cards and a card
cage for providing structural support to the cards, a fluid
management unit for pressurizing fluid within the electronics unit,
a reservoir for collecting fluid from the electronics unit, a
tubing system for distributing the fluid between the electronics
unit and the fluid management unit, and a pressure equalization
system connecting the electronics unit and the reservoir to
equalize internal pressures between them.
Inventors: |
Tilton; Charles L.; (Colton,
WA) ; Tilton; Donald E.; (Colton, WA) ;
Palmer; Randall T.; (Liberty Lake, WA) ; Hyde; Tony
E.; (Blanchard, ID) |
Assignee: |
Isothermal Systems Research,
Inc.
Liberty Lake
WA
|
Family ID: |
37393820 |
Appl. No.: |
12/323261 |
Filed: |
November 25, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11334269 |
Jan 18, 2006 |
7469551 |
|
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12323261 |
|
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60645476 |
Jan 18, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
165/104.33 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 2200/201 20130101;
G06F 1/206 20130101; G06F 1/20 20130101; H05K 7/208 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/104.33 |
International
Class: |
F28D 15/00 20060101
F28D015/00 |
Goverment Interests
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED R&D
[0002] This invention was made with Government support under
contract #N68335-00-D-0451 awarded by the Defense Micro-Electronics
Agency (DMEA). The Government has certain rights in this invention.
Claims
1. A globally cooled computer system, comprising: a rack system; an
electronics unit slidably attached to the rack system providing
evaporative spray cooling to a plurality of cards within the
electronics unit, wherein the plurality of cards comprises at least
one card having at least one operation light; an access panel
removably attached to one side of the electronics unit to provide
access to the plurality of electronics cards, the access panel
including an EMI shielded window; a radial seal for sealing the
access panel to the electronics unit; a fluid management unit for
providing pressurized fluid to the electronics unit and for
receiving and thermally conditioning fluid returning from the
electronics unit; and a tubing system for distributing the fluid
between the electronics unit and the fluid management unit.
2. The globally cooled computer system of claim 1, wherein the rack
system includes a top, a base, a left rail, and a right rail, the
left rail and the right rail forming two sides used for slidably
attaching the electronics unit to the rack system.
3. The globally cooled computer system of claim 2, wherein the base
is used for securing the rack system to a foundation.
4. The globally cooled computer system of claim 1, wherein the EMI
shielded window is positioned to allow visual inspection and
functional verification of the at least one operational light.
5. The globally cooled computer system of claim 1, wherein the
radial seal comprises at least one radial sealing o-ring.
6. The globally cooled computer system of claim 5, wherein the
radial seal comprises a leading taper on the access panel to
prevent cutting of the at least one radial sealing o-ring when the
access panel is attached to the electronics unit.
7. The globally cooled computer system of claim 1, wherein the EMI
shielded window comprises an embedded metallic fabric.
8. The globally cooled computer system of claim 1, wherein the EMI
shielded window comprises a metallic fabric attached to an exterior
surface of the EMI shielded window.
9. The globally cooled computer system of claim 1, wherein the
fluid management unit comprises: a pump to pressurize fluid
supplied to the electronics unit; a control unit to control
operation of the pump; a fluid reservoir to collect fluid returning
from the electronics unit; and a heat exchanger to thermally
condition the fluid.
10. The globally cooled computer system of claim 9, wherein the
electronics unit includes a pressure equalization port connected to
the fluid reservoir to regulate fluid flow between the electronics
unit and the fluid management unit.
11. The globally cooled computer system of claim 10, wherein the
pressure equalization port is fluidly connected to a second
electronics unit residing in the rack system.
12. A globally cooled computer system comprising: a rack system; a
plurality of electronics units mounted in the rack system having an
electronics card mounted therein; a fluid management unit mounted
in the rack system in a position below the plurality of electronics
units; a fluid supply manifold connected to at least one of the
plurality of electronics units to regulate fluid flow to the at
least one of the plurality of electronics units, wherein the fluid
flow provides evaporative spray cooling of the electronics card
mounted therein; a vertically aligned return manifold fluidly
connected to at least one of the plurality of electronics units to
collect the distributed fluid; a heat exchanger fluidly connected
to the fluid supply manifold and the return manifold; and a
manifold valve through which non-condensable gasses may be input to
the system or expelled from the system.
13. The globally cooled computer system of claim 12, wherein the
manifold valve is located at the top of the return manifold.
14. The globally cooled computer system of claim 12 further
comprising a fill port located in the fluid supply manifold for
introducing fluid to the system.
15. The globally cooled computer system of claim 12 further
comprising a fill port located in the return manifold for
introducing fluid to the system.
16. The globally cooled computer system of claim 12, wherein the
heat exchanger is a liquid to liquid type heat exchanger.
17. The globally cooled computer system of claim 12, wherein the
vertically aligned return manifold is connected to each of the
plurality of electronics units to which fluid is distributed.
18. A globally cooled computer system, comprising: an electronics
unit defining a sealed enclosure sized to contain a plurality of
electronics components attached to a plurality of electronics
cards; a card cage mounted within the electronics unit to provide
evaporative spray cooling to the plurality of electronics
components; an access panel removably attached to a side of the
electronics unit, wherein the access panel comprises an EMI
shielded window and plurality of support ribs to provide structural
support for the EMI shielded window; a fluid management unit to
provide pressurized fluid to the card cage within the electronics
unit; a reservoir for collecting fluid from the electronics unit; a
tubing system for distributing fluid between the electronics unit
and the fluid management unit; and a fluid volume displacement
ridge protruding inside the electronics unit for reducing a fluid
requirement of the system.
19. The globally cooled computer system of claim 18, wherein the
fluid volume displacement ridge is tapered to direct fluid inside
the electronics unit toward one or more fluid housing outlets
positioned on a lower portion of the electronics unit.
20. The globally cooled computer system of claim 18, wherein the
fluid volume displacement ridge is defined by a surface of the
electronics unit.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATE APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/334,269 entitled "Globally
Cooled Computer System", filed on Jan. 18, 2006, which is
incorporated herein by reference. That application claims priority
from U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/645,476, entitled
"Globally Cooled Electronics System" filed on Jan. 18, 2005, which
is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a global cooling
chamber for providing liquid cooling to a plurality of electronic
components. The global cooling chamber uses a non-electrically
conductive fluid which is in direct contact with the components to
be cooled.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0004] The present invention relates to the thermal management of
electronic components that are mounted upon electronic cards
(a.k.a. expansion boards) or substrates. In a card level system, a
plurality of cards are electrically connected within sockets upon a
backplane (e.g. motherboard, etc.). Electronic cards are utilized
in various applications, such as personal computers, workstations,
server computers, rack mounted services, network routers, network
switches, telephone equipment (DWDMs, ADMs, TDMs, switches,
repeaters and the like), and military applications (vehicle,
aircraft, etc.). Examples of electronic cards include but are not
limited to modems, video processors, network interfaces,
processors, memory, hard drive controllers, hard drives, mouse
controller, keyboard controller, global position systems, wireless
cards, backplane controller cards and the like.
[0005] "Dry cooling" (i.e. air cooling) has been in usage for years
for cooling electronic components. An example of a dry cooling
system is a conventional desktop computer with a fan that passes
air over the electronic components to cool the same. Dry cooling
technology is acceptable for low powered electronic components.
[0006] Modern electronics devices have increased thermal management
requirements. Conventional dry cooling technology simply is not
capable of efficiently cooling modern high-end electronics. "Liquid
cooling" is being adopted today as the most efficient option for
thermally managing electronic systems. United States. patents: U.S.
Pat. No. 5,220,804 entitled High Heat Flux Evaporative Spray
Cooling to Tilton et. al. describes a high heat flux evaporative
cooling system. U.S. Pat. No. 5,880,931 entitled Spray Cooled
Circuit Card Cage to Tilton et. al. for a global cooling system.
United States Patent Application No. 2005/0138833 A1 entitled
Dry-Wet Thermal management System to Knight et. al. for a card
cage.
[0007] The present invention incorporates many benefits into liquid
cooling systems over the prior art. There are many benefits to
incorporating liquid cooling in a global computer system as
described.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of thermal management devices now present in the prior art,
the present invention provides a new globally cooled computer
system for simplifying cooling of computer systems.
[0009] The general purpose of the present invention, which will be
described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new
globally cooled computer system that has many of the advantages of
the thermal management devices in the prior art and many novel
features that result in a new globally cooled computer system which
is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by
any of the prior art thermal management devices, either alone or in
any combination thereof.
[0010] To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a
globally cooled computer system for providing liquid cooling to a
plurality of electrical components. The globally cooled computer
system includes an electronics unit having a plurality of
electronics components attached to a plurality of cards and a card
cage for providing structural support to the cards, a fluid
management unit for pressurizing fluid within the electronics unit,
a reservoir for collecting fluid from the electronics unit, a
tubing system for distributing the fluid between the electronics
unit and the fluid management unit, and a pressure equalization
system connecting the electronics unit and the reservoir to
equalize internal pressures between them.
[0011] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There
are additional features of the invention that will be described
hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims
appended hereto.
[0012] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0013] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a
globally cooled computer system that will overcome the shortcomings
of the prior art devices.
[0014] Another object is to accomplish very effective heat transfer
rates.
[0015] Another object is to provide environmental isolation of the
electronics components.
[0016] Another object is to allow the system to be used and scaled
in network racks.
[0017] A further object is the system has the ability to reject
heat to both air and/or a secondary liquid cooling loop.
[0018] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects
and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.
[0019] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this
invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however,
that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be
made in the specific construction illustrated and described within
the scope of the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below
with the reference to the following accompanying drawings:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the globally cooled
computer system according to the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a front view of the globally cooled computer
system of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a side view of the globally cooled computer system
of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the electronics unit
having a clear front window.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the electronics unit of
FIG. 4 and showing input and outputs.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the card cage for
holding electrical components, and/or cards, within the electronics
unit.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the card cage showing
the rear backplane and fluid inputs.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the fluid management
system.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a partial section view of the front door of the
electronics unit of FIG. 4 and showing a radial seal and window
attachment method.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the flow of fluid through
the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention and showing a plurality of
electronics units connected to a fluid management system via a rack
supply manifold and a rack return manifold.
[0032] FIG. 12 is a side section view of a electronics unit showing
a fluid containment flange.
[0033] FIG. 13 is a side section view of the electronics unit
having the card cage within and supported by a fluid displacing
ridge.
[0034] FIG. 14 is a side view showing the pressure equalization
system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] Many of the fastening and fluid components utilized and
described in this invention are widely known and used in the field
of the invention, and their exact nature or type is not necessary
for a person of ordinary skill in the art or science to understand
the invention; therefore they will not be discussed in detail.
[0036] Applicants hereby incorporate by reference the following
U.S. patents: U.S. Pat. No. 5,220,804 for a high heat flux
evaporative cooling system; U.S. Pat. No. 5,880,931 for a global
cooling system; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,880,931 for a card cage.
[0037] Now referring to FIG. 1 and according to the present
invention, a globally cooled computer system 10 is shown. A rack
system 11 has a base 16, left rail 12, a right rail 14, and a top
18. Base 16 is used for securing computer system 10 to a
foundation, which may include concrete flooring, raised computer
flooring, and the like. Left rail 12 and right rail 14 allow for
the securing of electronics equipment to rack system 11.
Configuration flexibility is provided to the electronic equipment
by means of an array of rack mounting holes 13. Typically, rack
mounting holes 13 may be in a standard spacing such as to provide
installation of equipment in 1.75 inch intervals. Rack top 18 may
include cable feed-throughs, and provide structural support to
overhead cable management troughs and the like. Rack system 11 is
shown as a standard open rack system, but the present invention
should not be limited to such, and may include but not be limited
to, closed cabinets and sealed closed cabinets. Globally cooled
computer system 10 according to the present invention does not
require rack system 11, and instead may be free standing.
[0038] Slidably attached to rack system 11, via a slide rail 15, is
an electronics unit 30. Electronics unit 30 is a chamber which
houses a plurality of electronic components (not shown), and
ideally the electronic components are attached to cards. Inside
electronics unit 30 is a card cage 40 for providing structural
support to the one or more cards. "Electronic components", as used
herein, may include CPUs, field programmable gate arrays, power
conversion devices, memory devices or any heat producing electronic
device. Also as used herein, "cards" may include any card typically
used in an electronics system, such as but not limited to, computer
devices, pizza-box style servers, blade servers, power conversion
boards, communications boards (fiber optics and electrical based)
and memory devices. Electronics unit 30 provides direct liquid
cooling to the one or more cards secured within card cage 40 via a
dielectric fluid, such as Fluorinert (commercially available
through 3M). Preferably, the dielectric fluid is sprayed onto the
electronic components via pressure swirl atomizers. The deposited
fluid absorbs heat predominantly by way of vaporization wherein the
vapor is condensed by means of a heat exchanger. The closed loop
cooling cycle is shown by the block diagram of FIG. 10. Fluid is
pressurized by a pump 21 within a fluid management unit 20. The
pressurized fluid is delivered through both a particulate filter
23, for keeping particles from clogging sprayers, and a chemical
filter 24 for controlling the amount of non-dielectric fluids which
may be in the fluid and for removing accidental fluid decomposition
products. Typically, chemical filter 24 will dump fluid directly
back into a reservoir 26. Fluid leaving particulate filter 23 is
characterized by sensor unit 25 so that a control system can
regulate fluid conditions to desired levels and monitor for
irregularities and maintenance needs. Fluid is delivered to
electronics unit 30 via a tubing system. The fluid is sprayed onto
the one or more components wherein it ideally changes phase into a
vapor. The fluid is acquired from the one or more electronics unit
30 and delivered to a heat exchanger 27, which may be either a
liquid-air, or liquid-liquid variety. The condensed fluid is
returned to reservoir 26 to be re-pressurized by pump 21.
[0039] Fluid Management Unit
[0040] Fluid management 20, as previously described, may house pump
21, chemical filter 24, particulate filter 23, sensor unit 25,
reservoir 26 and provides the means of circulating fluid to one or
more electronics unit 30. In addition, fluid management unit 20 may
also house features, such as but not limited to, control systems,
fluid heaters, and the such. Fluid management unit 20 may also
house heat exchanger 27. Due to the effects of gravity having a
positive influence on pump performance, it is often preferred to
put thermal management unit 20 below the one or more electronics
unit 30. On the rear of fluid management unit 20 are the inputs and
outputs which may include power, control and fluid. FIG. 8 shows a
fluid I/O 28 which are preferably commonly available quick
disconnect, self sealing type, connectors (available through Colder
Products Co.). Fluid management unit 20 may have a single input and
output as shown, or may have a manifold that houses many connectors
that potentially support multiples of electronics unit 30. Also
shown in FIG. 8 is a fluid drain port 29 which provides the ability
to drain the fluid of the system at its lowest point. Tubing (not
shown) may be used to transfer fluid from thermal management system
20 to electronics unit 30. Optimal tubing materials may be a
function of the type of fluid used. Flexible corrugated metallic
tubing can be used with many fluid types and provide configuration
flexibility. Rigid tubing may also be used. Fluid management unit
20 may allow for air to pass within, or may be environmentally
sealed, with the heat created within absorbed by the cooling
fluid.
[0041] Electronics Unit
[0042] Electronics unit 30 preferably has a rigid housing 31 that
environmentally isolates and protects the components to be cooled,
and restricts the cooling fluid within. Depending upon the fluid
used, the pressure within the chamber may be positive or negative
in respect to atmospheric pressure. A pressure release valve 37
provides the means for escaping any unwanted non-condensable gases
within the system and can be used to safely limit the potential
pressure, both positive and negative, within the system. Also
located on housing 31 is a housing fluid fill port 38 which is
located in the vapor space for ease of filling. Housing 31 may have
fins on its exterior for increased convection cooling.
[0043] Electronics unit 30 has a door 33 for providing access to
card cage 40 and the components within. A single front door 33 is
shown, but multiple doors may be used, and multiple chambers can be
used, such as described by U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/648,774. FIG. 9 shows a preferred method of sealing door 33 to
housing 31. Pocket 52 is recessed into housing 31 and provides a
place for o-ring 50. Pocket 52, for example purposes only, has
dimensions of 0.29 inches by 0.178 inches. O-ring 50 has a diameter
of 0.21 inches and is preferably made from fluorosilicone material
when Fluorinert is used as the cooling fluid. Located on door 33 is
an incline 51 which has an angle of 20 degrees. The resulting seal
structure provides a smooth seal surface as door 33 is closed. The
advantage of the radial seal system versus a face seal is that the
force on the door from the radial seal is lower and is in the plane
of the door. The resulting structure may be less likely to leak and
requires less closing force. Embedded in the seal structure of the
door is a step 82 for reducing EMI emissions. A plurality of
fasteners 39 (thumbscrews are shown) keep door 33 securely attached
to housing 31. The rear of electronics unit 30 as shown in FIG. 5
also has a door, or access panel. Although optional, the rear door
is secured similar to that of door 33.
[0044] Door 33, as shown, includes a clear window 34 which allows
the user to inspect and verify the function of the system without
having to open electronics unit 30. Often, operation lights are
part of the front of the cards to be cooled. Window 34 allows the
user to inspect the status of the operation lights, again, without
having to disrupt the operation of electronics unit 30. Acrylic is
a Fluorinert compatible material suitable for use as window 34
which can also have EMI shielding metallic fabric embedded or
attached. A plurality of radial ribs provide structural rigidity to
window 34. Window 34 may be glued in place, or sealed via o-rings
and fasteners.
[0045] On the back side of housing 31 are the fluid and electrical
inputs and outputs. A fluid housing inlet 35 for supplying fluid to
electronics unit 30 is shown in FIG. 5. Also shown, is fluid
housing outlet 36 which removes liquid and vapor from electronics
unit 30. Ideally, outlet 36 is positioned vertically so that liquid
can not pile up within housing 31 which could cause pool boiling
and reduced heat transfer rates. Although two of outlet 36 are
shown, one or more may be used. It is preferable that outlet 36 be
sized to minimize back pressures between heat exchanger 27 and unit
30. Backpressures cause an increase in the boiling point of the
fluid within unit 30 and a decrease in cooling performance.
[0046] Inside electronics unit 30 and on its bottom surface is a
fluid ridge 71 which reduces the fluid volume needed in the system.
Ridge 71, shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, protrudes off the bottom
surface and forces fluid to the outside corners, or to a location
where the fluid leaves housing 31. Ridge 71 may be rectangular as
shown, or may be any shape, such as pyramidal thereby having a
taper 89, which forces fluid to the corners under the influences of
gravity.
[0047] Also located on the rear of electronics unit 30 is pressure
equalization port 63. Port 63 allows a tube section to be placed
between electronics unit 30 and fluid management unit 20, or
between multiples of electronics unit 30. Ideally, port 63 is
located in the vapor space of housing 31 and connected to a port
located in the vapor space of either reservoir 26 or heat exchanger
27. An equalization valve 88 may be used to control the flow
through port 63. A return valve 84 may be placed in the connecting
tube so that the flow to unit 30 may be controlled. Likewise, a
supply valve 86 may be placed in the supply line and controlled so
that electronics unit 30 is supplied with the optimal amount of
fluid and does not become flooded, as well as for equalizing flow
rates into multiples of electronics unit 30, which may be spaced
vertically or by a significant distance. Valves 84, 86 and 88 may
be electronically controlled for creating optimal flow within the
system based upon data collected throughout the system. In addition
valves, 84, 86 and 88 may be electronically, or manually, closed to
seal off unit 30 from the system during reconfigurations or for
maintenance. This pressure equalization system is further
illustrated in FIG. 14.
[0048] Inside electronics unit 30, as shown in FIG. 12, has a seal
flange 80 that protrudes towards the center of housing 31. Flange
80 protrudes upwards so that when door 33 is opened fluid within
housing 31 is not free to run out.
[0049] Card Cage
[0050] Card cage 40 has a groove array 41 sized to allow a card to
be inserted. Cards are secured to card cage 40 via fasteners into
fastener array 44. A plurality of spray manifold 42 are attached to
the bottom of card cage 40 and house a plurality of atomizers 43.
The patterns and locations of atomizers 43 may be dependent upon
the style, shape and heat load of each of the individual cards. The
card cage of FIG. 6 has the ability to remove and replace
individuals of spray manifold 42 as needed. Fluid is delivered to
the spray manifolds by means of a tubing system (not shown) that
takes fluid from housing unit input 35 and distributes it to a
plurality of card cage fluid inputs 48.
[0051] The fluid deposited onto the cards may come from side spray
as described, but may also be localized by the use of one or more
spray modules attached to high heat generating components. Fluid
can be deposited in a top-down or narrow gap fashion which creates
high heat absorption rates. Localized spray modules may be
connected by a tubing system to the fluid of card cage 40. Surplus
fluid can fall to the bottom of electronics unit 30.
[0052] Shown in FIG. 6, as cards are inserted down the length of
groove array 41, the cards make electrical connection with an array
of front connectors 46. A backplane 45 provides electrical
connection with an array of rear connectors 47 and may be a single
backplane or an assembly of multiple backplanes as shown in FIG. 7.
The electrical signals of rear connectors 47 can be transferred to
the rear electrical connectors of housing 31 (FIG. 5) by several
methods including ribbon cable, discrete wiring, or methods as
described by U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/783,397.
[0053] Also shown mounted in rack system 11 is a power supply 60
for supplying power to either electronics unit 30, or fluid
management unit 20, or both. Power supply 60 can bring in a wide
range of power inputs and deliver the desired levels and types of
power to the various components and systems. Power supply 60 may be
sealed and spray cooled so its components are environmentally
isolated. Power supply 60 is optional depending upon the type of
electronics used. Power distribution can be made part of either
fluid management unit 20 or electronics unit 30.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0054] The operation of the present invention has been verified for
absorbing over 3000 watts of heat within electronics unit 30.
Fluorinert (a trademark of 3M), grade 5060, was used and delivered
to the electronics unit 30 with a flow rate of 3 liters per minute
and at a pressure of 20 pounds per square inch. Atomizers were
mixed in sizes between 0.006 and 0.008 of an inch. The supply line
was 0.5 inches in diameter, two 0.75 inch return lines were used,
and a 0.25 inch equalization line was installed. The control system
measured ambient temperatures, supply pressures and flow rates, the
temperature and pressure with the cooling unit and temperatures of
the supply and return fluid. A liquid to air heat exchanger was
used. Although the data above is provided as a known best mode of
the present invention, the present invention should not be
construed to be limiting in any way. Many liquid cooling components
and features are well known in the art, and described by the
patents incorporated by reference to this invention, and thus do
not need to be described in further detail.
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0055] FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the present
invention and shows an array of electronics unit 30 mounted above
fluid management system 20. Fluid is delivered to the array of
electronics unit 30 by means of a fluid supply manifold 67. Fluid
supply manifold 67 is fluidly connected to electronics unit 30 by
means of flexible supply lines. Similar to the supply side, the
fluid returns through flexible return lines to return manifold 68
and then to the heat exchanger 27. In this configuration a rack
pressure release valve is placed in the top of return manifold 68
and a fill port added to either supply manifold 67 or return
manifold 68. This embodiment may use an air to liquid heat
exchanger, or a liquid to liquid heat exchanger system as described
by U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/817,902 for a heat exchanging fluid
return manifold for a liquid cooling system.
[0056] While the globally cooled computer system herein `described.
constitute preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited to these precise form
of assemblies, and that changes may be made therein with out
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
[0057] For example, within the scope of the present invention,
electronics unit 30 may be a globally cooled rack mounted server
having a motherboard and one or more electronic devices. With this
embodiment card cage 40 is not needed, but may still provides the
features and benefits as described herein for a globally cooled
electronics system.
* * * * *