Computer rack cooling using independently-controlled flow of coolants through a dual-section heat exchanger

摘要

Embodiments of the present invention include a cooling system and method for cooling a computer rack by circulating liquid coolant through different sections of a rack heat exchanger under separately controlled flow and temperature conditions. In a method according to one embodiment, a first liquid coolant is supplied to a first section of an air-to-liquid heat exchanger. A second liquid coolant is supplied to a second section of the air-to-liquid heat exchanger at a different temperature than the first liquid coolant. Airflow is generated through rack-mounted computer components to the first and second sections of the air-to-liquid heat exchanger. The flow rates of the first and second liquid coolants are independently controlled to enforce a target cooling parameter. The independent operation of the first and second fin tube sections allows for the increased use of un-chilled water without sacrificing heat removal objectives.

主权项

1. A method, comprising:
generating airflow through rack-mounted computer components and then in series through first and second sections of an air-to-liquid heat exchanger; independently controlling the flow rate of a first liquid coolant to the first section of the air-to-liquid heat exchanges and the flow rate of a second liquid coolant to the second section of the air-to-liquid heat exchanger to enforce a target cooling parameter in response to the heat generated in the rack being less than a heat setpoint or the temperature of the first liquid coolant being less than a temperature setpoint, wherein the second liquid coolant has a lower temperature than the first liquid coolant; and supplying the second liquid coolant to both the first and second sections of the air-to-liquid heat exchanger in response to the heat generated in the rack being greater than a heat setpoint or the temperature of the first liquid coolant being greater than a temperature setpoint.