Variable flow computer cooling system for a data center and method of operation
View Patent ↗Disclosed herein is a data center having a plurality of liquid cooled computer systems. The computer systems each include a processor coupled with a cold plate that allows direct liquid cooling of the processor. The cold plate is further arranged to provide adapted flow of coolant to different portions of the processor whereby higher temperature regions receive a larger flow rate of coolant. The flow is variably adjusted to reflect different levels of activity. By maximizing the coolant temperature exiting the computer systems, the system may utilize the free cooling temperature of the ambient air and eliminate the need for a chiller. A data center is further provided that is coupled with a district heating system and heat is extracted from the computer systems is used to offset carbon emissions and reduce the total cost of ownership of the data center.
1. A computer system comprising:
a processor having a first side and a second side, wherein said processor first side includes a first portion operating at a first temperature and a second portion operating a second temperature;
a group of memory components electrically coupled to said processor;
a power electronics module electrically coupled to provide electrical power to said processor and said group of memory components;
a liquid cooling loop thermally coupled to said processor, said group of memory components and said power electronics module and other electronic components;
a cold plate thermally coupled to said processor and fluidly coupled to said liquid cooling loop, said cold plate including a first plurality of nozzles having a first diameter and a second plurality of nozzles having a second diameter, wherein said first plurality of nozzles and said second plurality of nozzles directly fluidly couple said processor first side to said liquid cooling loop, wherein said first plurality of nozzles is positioned adjacent said first portion and said second plurality of nozzles is position adjacent said second portion; and,
a conductive collector having a first conductive collector portion thermally coupled to said cold plate and arranged on an opposite side of said cold plate from said processor and a second conductive collector portion positioned adjacent said group of memory components, wherein said conductive collector is fluidly coupled to said liquid cooling loop downstream from said processor.
2. The computer system of claim 1 further comprising a heat collector coupled between said conductive collector and said power electronics module and other electronic components.
3. The computer system of claim 2 wherein said heat collector is selected from a group consisting of a compliant metallic fin, a metal foam, or a spring.