MIXED MODE COOLING SYSTEM

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/669,472 filed Jul. 10, 2024, entitled “Mixed Mode Cooling System,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to heat exchanger systems and more specifically relates to split cooling systems.

BACKGROUND

There are numerous manufacturers offering chillers, such as for the data center market. Many chillers use centrifugal compressors. The technology of centrifugal compressors allows for high efficiency in modulation, but often the external environmental conditions limit their use because their minimum and maximum compression ratios are limited. These limits, especially the minimum, can make it impossible to use when the outside temperatures are too cold, as the compressor can go into self-protection. Thus, manufacturers adopt additional free-cooling coils loaded with glycol, complicating the system, and increasing its cost. Alternatively, a few manufacturers adopt a system with a thermosiphon or a pumped refrigerant economizer (PRE), turning off the centrifugal compressor at low temperatures. While the glycol free cooling can work in combination with the compressors, it often worsens the performance at high temperatures due to the additional coils. Current PRE systems retain efficiency with high ambient temperatures, but only work in the alternative to compressors, losing opportunities for additional efficiency at intermediate temperatures.

SUMMARY

Applicant has created new and useful devices, systems and methods for mixed mode split cooling systems. In at least one embodiment, a cooling system according to the disclosure can include two or more condensing modules and each module can selectively operate in either compressed cooling mode or free-cooling mode to help maximize operational efficiency. For example, as an external ambient temperature drops, one or more condensing modules can switch from compressed cooling mode to free-cooling mode to increase the efficiency of the system when the external temperatures are low enough to support partial or full free-cooling, which can advantageously avoid continued use of compressed cooling when unnecessary and provide significant efficiency increases versus single-circuit mixed mode systems.

In at least one embodiment, a cooling system according to the disclosure can include an evaporator configured to transfer heat to a two-phase cooling fluid, a compressor downstream of the evaporator in a first fluid path of the two-phase cooling fluid, a first condenser downstream of the compressor in the first fluid path, a first expansion valve downstream of the first condenser in the first fluid path and upstream of the evaporator in the first fluid path, a second condenser downstream of the evaporator in a second fluid path of the two-phase cooling fluid, a first pump downstream of the second condenser in the second fluid path and upstream of the evaporator in the second fluid path, a second expansion valve downstream of the first pump in the second fluid path and upstream of the evaporator in the second fluid path, or any combination thereof.

In at least one embodiment, the first condenser can selectively communicate with the second fluid path. In at least one embodiment, the two-phase cooling fluid can selectively flow through the evaporator, the compressor, the first condenser, and the first expansion valve. In at least one embodiment, the two-phase cooling fluid can selectively flow through the evaporator and the first condenser, bypassing the compressor and the first expansion valve.

In at least one embodiment, the system can include a first check valve downstream of the evaporator and upstream of the first condenser and/or a second check valve downstream of the first condenser and upstream of the evaporator. In at least one embodiment, the first check valve can permit the two-phase cooling fluid to flow from the evaporator to the first condenser bypassing the compressor. In at least one embodiment, the first check valve can prevent the two-phase cooling fluid from flowing from the first condenser to the evaporator. In at least one embodiment, the second check valve can permit the two-phase cooling fluid to flow from the first condenser to the evaporator. In at least one embodiment, the second check valve can prevent the two-phase cooling fluid from flowing from the evaporator to the first condenser. In at least one embodiment, the system can include a second pump in-line with the second check valve between the first condenser and the evaporator and/or a second pump upstream of the second check valve and downstream of the first condenser.

In at least one embodiment, the second condenser can selectively communicate with the first fluid path. In at least one embodiment, the two-phase cooling fluid can selectively flow through the evaporator, the compressor, the second condenser, and the first expansion valve. In at least one embodiment, the two-phase cooling fluid can selectively flow through the evaporator and the second condenser, bypassing the compressor and the first expansion valve.

In at least one embodiment, the system can include a segregation valve downstream of the compressor in the first fluid path and in fluid communication with the second condenser and/or a check valve downstream of the second condenser and in fluid communication with the first expansion valve. In at least one embodiment, the segregation valve and/or the check valve can selectively isolate the second condenser from the first fluid path. In at least one embodiment, the segregation valve and/or the check valve can selectively communicate the second condenser with the first fluid path.

In at least one embodiment, the first condenser can cooperate with the compressor and the first expansion valve to provide compressor-based cooling to the two-phase cooling fluid flowing into the evaporator. In at least one embodiment, the second condenser can cooperate with the pump to provide pumped-refrigerant based cooling to the two-phase cooling fluid flowing into the evaporator. In at least one embodiment, the first condenser can cooperate with the compressor and the first expansion valve to provide compressor-based cooling to the two-phase cooling fluid flowing into the evaporator while the second condenser simultaneously cooperates with the pump to provide pumped-refrigerant based cooling to the two-phase cooling fluid flowing into the evaporator.

In at least one embodiment, a cooling system according to the disclosure can include an evaporator configured to transfer heat to a two-phase cooling fluid, a compressor downstream of the evaporator in a first fluid path of the two-phase cooling fluid, a first segregation valve downstream of the compressor in the first fluid path, a first condenser downstream of the first segregation valve in the first fluid path, a first check valve downstream of the first condenser in the first fluid path, a first expansion valve downstream of the first check valve in the first fluid path and upstream of the evaporator in the first fluid path, a first pump downstream of the first condenser in a second fluid path of the two-phase cooling fluid and upstream of the evaporator in the second fluid path, a second check valve downstream of the evaporator and upstream of the first condenser in the second fluid path, a third check valve downstream of the first condenser and upstream of the evaporator, a second expansion valve downstream of first pump and upstream of the evaporator in the second fluid path, or any combination thereof.

In at least one embodiment, the first segregation valve and/or the first check valve can selectively isolate the first condenser from the first fluid path. In at least one embodiment, the first segregation valve and/or the first check valve can selectively communicate the first condenser with the first fluid path. In at least one embodiment, the second check valve can permit the two-phase cooling fluid to flow from the evaporator to the first condenser bypassing the compressor and/or the first segregation valve. In at least one embodiment, the third check valve can permit the two-phase cooling fluid to flow from the first pump to the evaporator.

In at least one embodiment, the first fluid path of the two-phase cooling fluid can be through the evaporator, the compressor, the first segregation valve, the first condenser, the first check valve, and the first expansion valve, bypassing second check valve, the first pump, the third check valve, and the second expansion valve. In at least one embodiment, the second fluid path of the two-phase cooling fluid can be through the evaporator, the second check valve, and the first condenser, the first pump, the third check valve, and the second expansion valve, bypassing the compressor, the first segregation valve, the first check valve, and the first expansion valve.

In at least one embodiment, the first condenser can selectively cooperate with the compressor and the first expansion valve to provide compressor-based cooling to the two-phase cooling fluid flowing into the evaporator. In at least one embodiment, the first condenser can selectively cooperate with the first pump and the second expansion valve to provide pumped-refrigerant based cooling to the two-phase cooling fluid flowing into the evaporator.

In at least one embodiment, the system can include a second segregation valve downstream of the compressor in the first fluid path, a second condenser downstream of the second segregation valve in the first fluid path, a fourth check valve downstream of the second condenser in the first fluid path, a second pump downstream of the second condenser in a second fluid path of the two-phase cooling fluid and upstream of the evaporator in the second fluid path, a fifth check valve downstream of the evaporator and upstream of the second condenser in the second fluid path, a sixth check valve downstream of the second condenser and upstream of the evaporator, or any combination thereof.

In at least one embodiment, the second segregation valve and/or the fourth check valve can selectively isolate the second condenser from the first fluid path. In at least one embodiment, the second segregation valve and/or the fourth check valve can selectively communicate the second condenser with the first fluid path. In at least one embodiment, the fifth check valve can permit the two-phase cooling fluid to flow from the evaporator to the second condenser bypassing the compressor and the second segregation valve. In at least one embodiment, the sixth check valve can permit the two-phase cooling fluid to flow from the second pump to the evaporator.

In at least one embodiment, the second condenser can selectively cooperate with the compressor and the first expansion valve to provide compressor-based cooling to the two-phase cooling fluid flowing into the evaporator. In at least one embodiment, the second condenser can selectively cooperate with the second pump to provide pumped-refrigerant based cooling to the two-phase cooling fluid flowing into the evaporator.

In at least one embodiment, a method according to the disclosure can include absorbing heat with a two-phase cooling fluid in an evaporator, and/or cooling a first portion of the two-phase cooling fluid using a compressor and a first condenser while simultaneously cooling a second portion of the two-phase cooling fluid using a first pump and a second condenser.

In at least one embodiment, a method according to the disclosure can include monitoring an ambient temperature. In at least one embodiment, the method can include cooling the two-phase cooling fluid using the compressor, the first condenser, and the second condenser, bypassing the first pump, such as when the ambient temperature is above a first setpoint. In at least one embodiment, the method can include cooling the first portion of the two-phase cooling fluid using the compressor and the first condenser while simultaneously cooling the second portion of the two-phase cooling fluid using the first pump and the second condenser, such as when the ambient temperature is below the first setpoint and above a second setpoint. In at least one embodiment, the method can include cooling the two-phase cooling fluid using the first pump, the first condenser, and the second condenser, bypassing the compressor, such as when the ambient temperature is below the second setpoint. In at least one embodiment, the method can include cooling the two-phase cooling fluid using the first pump and the second condenser while simultaneously using the first condenser and a second pump, such as when the ambient temperature is below the second setpoint.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic of one of many embodiments of a cooling system according to the disclosure, operating in a mixed cooling mode.

FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic of one of many embodiments of a cooling system according to the disclosure, operating in a full compressed cooling mode.

FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic of one of many embodiments of a cooling system according to the disclosure, operating in another mixed cooling mode.

FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic of one of many embodiments of a cooling system according to the disclosure, operating in a full pumped cooling mode.

FIG. 5A is a partial schematic of one of many embodiments of a cooling system according to the disclosure.

FIG. 5B is the remainder of the schematic of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a legend for the schematic of FIGS. 5A-5B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figures described above and the written description of specific structures and functions below are not presented to limit the scope of what Applicant has invented or the scope of the appended claims. Rather, the figures and written description are provided to teach any person skilled in the art to make and use the inventions for which patent protection is sought. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all features of a commercial embodiment of the inventions are described or shown for the sake of clarity and understanding. Persons of skill in this art will also appreciate that the development of an actual commercial embodiment incorporating aspects of the present inventions will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve the developer's ultimate goal for the commercial embodiment. Such implementation-specific decisions may include, and likely are not limited to, compliance with system-related, business-related, government-related and other constraints, which may vary by specific implementation, location and from time to time. While a developer's efforts might be complex and time-consuming in an absolute sense, such efforts would be, nevertheless, a routine undertaking for those of skill in this art having benefit of this disclosure. It must be understood that the inventions disclosed and taught herein are susceptible to numerous and various modifications and alternative forms.

The use of a singular term, such as, but not limited to, “a,” is not intended as limiting of the number of items. Also, the use of relational terms, such as, but not limited to, “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,” “down,” “up,” “side,” and the like are used in the written description for clarity in specific reference to the figures and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions or the appended claims. The terms “including” and “such as” are illustrative and not limitative. The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “coupling,” “coupler,” and like terms are used broadly herein and can include any method or device for securing, binding, bonding, fastening, attaching, joining, inserting therein, forming thereon or therein, communicating, or otherwise associating, for example, mechanically, magnetically, electrically, chemically, operably, directly or indirectly with intermediate elements, one or more pieces of members together and can further include without limitation integrally forming one functional member with another in a unity fashion. The coupling can occur in any direction, including rotationally. Further, all parts and components of the disclosure that are capable of being physically embodied inherently include imaginary and real characteristics regardless of whether such characteristics are expressly described herein, including but not limited to characteristics such as axes, ends, inner and outer surfaces, interior spaces, tops, bottoms, sides, boundaries, dimensions (e.g., height, length, width, thickness), mass, weight, volume and density, among others.

Applicant has created new and useful devices, systems and methods for mixed mode split cooling systems. In at least one embodiment, a cooling system according to the disclosure can include two or more condensing modules and each module can selectively operate in either compressed cooling mode or free-cooling mode to help maximize operational efficiency. For example, as an external ambient temperature drops, one or more condensing modules can switch from compressed cooling mode to free-cooling mode to increase the efficiency of the system when the external temperatures are low enough to support partial or full free-cooling, which can advantageously avoid continued use of compressed cooling when unnecessary and provide significant efficiency increases versus single-circuit mixed mode systems. In at least one embodiment, a cooling system according to the disclosure can include a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat to a two-phase cooling fluid, a compressor downstream of the heat exchanger and a plurality of condensers downstream of the compressor. Any or all of the condensers can be selectively operated in compressed cooling mode. In at least one embodiment, any or all of the condensers can be selectively operated in a pumped refrigerant mode, bypassing the compressor, using one or more refrigerant pumps. In this manner, a cooling system according to the disclosure can efficiently accommodate a wide range of cooling demands while providing for increased efficiency, such as during times of decreasing ambient temperatures where at least partial free-cooling mode can be more efficient than full compressed cooling mode.

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic of one of many embodiments of a cooling system according to the disclosure, operating in a mixed cooling mode. FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic of one of many embodiments of a cooling system according to the disclosure, operating in a full compressed cooling mode. FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic of one of many embodiments of a cooling system according to the disclosure, operating in another mixed cooling mode. FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic of one of many embodiments of a cooling system according to the disclosure, operating in a full pumped cooling mode. FIG. 5A is a partial schematic of one of many embodiments of a cooling system according to the disclosure. FIG. 5B is the remainder of the schematic of FIG. 5A. FIG. 6 is a legend for the schematic of FIGS. 5A-5B. FIGS. 1-6 are described in conjunction with one another.

The efficiency of an air conditioning or other cooling system in a compressor-based cooling mode increases as the condensing temperature, and therefore the external ambient temperature, decreases. However, each type of compressor has a limit in terms of minimum condensing pressure or minimum compression ratio that the compressors can reach. This means that under a certain temperature it is no longer possible to significantly increase efficiency except by switching to a free-cooling mode, such as using a pumped refrigerant economizer (PRE), to increase the efficiency of the system when the external temperatures are low enough.

A cooling system according to the disclosure can include one or more centrifugal or “oil free” compressors. A condensing portion can include two or more modules, and each module can have the same or different ventilation compared to the others. Each condensing module can be equipped with a segregation valve which can isolate it from the compressor delivery, and a one-way valve (or other type of valve) which can isolate it from the compressor-based cooling mode liquid line. Each condensing module can also be connected to a pump for selective operation in PRE mode (or free-cooling mode) and to a return line from the evaporator when it operates in free-cooling mode. One-way valves, before and after the condensing module, can avoid interaction with the other condensing module(s). An evaporator can be a common element between free-cooling/PRE mode and the compressor-based cooling mode. The liquid lines can be equipped with electronic expansion valves that work autonomously.

At high external temperatures, all the condensing modules can operate in compressor-based cooling mode. As the external temperature decreases, the compressors can be controlled within the working envelope, seeking maximum efficiency through modulation of the fans. When the external temperature is lower than the equivalent evaporating temperature, the PRE system can provide high efficiency cooling capacity.

Once an external temperature is reached, one of the condensing modules can be segregated from the other module(s) working in compressor-based cooling mode, such as via one or more segregation valves. Once segregated, a corresponding PRE-mode pump can be activated and/or modulated, together with the fans of that condensing module, up to a refrigerant flow rate such that the efficiency of the module or loop is higher than that of the compressor-based cooling mode. An electronic expansion valve can be modulated or can otherwise modulate for attaining a correct back pressure upstream and/or downstream of the pump.

As the external temperature drops further, the compressor(s) will reduce their contribution and other condenser modules can be switched to PRE mode, as discussed above. In the context of an implementation where there is an outdoor temperature below which all the cooling can be supplied by the system in PRE mode, the compressor(s) can be switched off. As the external temperature increases and/or compressed cooling mode is otherwise called for, one or more modules can be switched back to compressed cooling mode, simultaneously or successively.

Thus, it is possible to use free-cooling mode (in mixed mode) at higher external temperatures, with a large gain in efficiency compared to traditional compressor-based cooling/PRE systems. For example, when compared to systems with free cooling mode having exchangers in series with respect to the condensers, a system according to the disclosure can be more efficient, as there will be no aeraulic pressure drops of two exchangers in series. Further, in the case of water as a secondary carrier fluid, glycol is not necessary as only the refrigerant need circulate in the air exchangers. Therefore, in addition to a higher seasonal efficiency, in at least one embodiment, a system according to the disclosure can reduce or eliminate the risk of glycol spillage into the environment.

By switching one or more condensing modules into free-cooling mode, a system according to the disclosure can increase the ability to keep one or more compressors in the best possible compression ratio under the circumstances of the implementation. A mixed-mode of a system according to the disclosure can also allow a transition from compressor-based cooling to PRE mode without cooling interruption, with consequent reduction of the volume of a secondary fluid tank, which can reduce space requirements and/or initial installation expense.

In at least one embodiment, a cooling system 100 according to the disclosure can include one or more evaporators 102 configured to transfer heat to a two-phase cooling fluid, one or more compressors 104 downstream of the evaporator 102 in a first fluid path A of the two-phase cooling fluid, one or more condensers 106 downstream of the compressor 104 in the first fluid path A, one or more expansion valves 108 downstream of the condenser 106 in the first fluid path A and upstream of the evaporator 102 in the first fluid path A, one or more other condensers 106 downstream of the evaporator 102 in a second fluid path B of the two-phase cooling fluid, one or more pumps 110 downstream of the second condenser 106 in the second fluid path B and upstream of the evaporator 102 in the second fluid path B, one or more other expansion valves 108 downstream of the first pump 110 in the second fluid path B and upstream of the evaporator 102 in the second fluid path B, one or more check valves 112 in the first fluid path A and/or the second fluid path B, one or more segregation valves 114 in the first fluid path A and/or the second fluid path B, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the first fluid path A and the second fluid path B can have some common piping, such as that exiting the evaporator 102. In at least one embodiment, the evaporator 102 can transfer heat to the two-phase cooling fluid from a single-phase cooling fluid, or another two-phase cooling fluid.

In at least one embodiment, each condenser 106 can selectively communicate with the first fluid path A and/or the second fluid path B. For example, in at least one embodiment, a first condenser 106a can selectively communicate with the first fluid path A and/or the second fluid path B. In at least one embodiment, the two-phase cooling fluid can selectively flow through the evaporator 102, the compressor 104, the first condenser 106a, and a first expansion valve 108a. In at least one embodiment, the two-phase cooling fluid can selectively flow through the evaporator 102 and the first condenser 106a, bypassing the compressor 104 and the first expansion valve 108a.

In at least one embodiment, the system 100 can include a first check 112a valve downstream of the evaporator 102 and upstream of the first condenser 106a and/or a second check valve 112b downstream of the first condenser 103a and upstream of the evaporator 102. In at least one embodiment, the first check valve 112a can permit the two-phase cooling fluid to flow from the evaporator 102 to the first condenser 106a bypassing the compressor. In at least one embodiment, the first check valve 112a can prevent the two-phase cooling fluid from flowing from the first condenser 106a to the evaporator 102. In at least one embodiment, the second check valve 112b can permit the two-phase cooling fluid to flow from the first condenser 106a to the evaporator 102. In at least one embodiment, the second check valve 112b can prevent the two-phase cooling fluid from flowing from the evaporator 102 to the first condenser 106a. In at least one embodiment, the system 100 can include a second pump 110a in-line with the second check valve 114 between the first condenser 106a and the evaporator 102. In at least one embodiment, the second pump 110a can be downstream of the first condenser 106a and either upstream or downstream of the second check valve 114a.

In at least one embodiment, a second condenser 106b can selectively communicate with the first fluid path A. In at least one embodiment, the two-phase cooling fluid can selectively flow through the evaporator 102, the compressor 104, the second condenser 106b, and the first expansion valve 108a. In at least one embodiment, the two-phase cooling fluid can selectively flow through the evaporator 102 and the second condenser 106b, bypassing the compressor 104 and the first expansion valve 108a.

In at least one embodiment, the system 100 can include a segregation valve 114b downstream of the compressor 104 in the first fluid path A and in fluid communication with the second condenser 106b and/or a check valve 112f downstream of the second condenser 106b and in fluid communication with the first expansion valve 108. In at least one embodiment, the segregation valve 114b and/or the check valve 112f can selectively isolate the second condenser 106b from the first fluid path A. In at least one embodiment, the segregation valve 114b and/or the check valve 112f can selectively communicate the second condenser 106b with the first fluid path A.

In at least one embodiment, the first condenser 106a can cooperate with the compressor 104 and the first expansion valve 108a to provide compressor-based cooling to the two-phase cooling fluid flowing into the evaporator 102. In at least one embodiment, the second condenser 106b can cooperate with the pump 110b to provide pumped-refrigerant based cooling to the two-phase cooling fluid flowing into the evaporator 102. In at least one embodiment, the first condenser 106a can cooperate with the compressor 104 and the first expansion valve 108a to provide compressor-based cooling to the two-phase cooling fluid flowing into the evaporator 102 while the second condenser 106b simultaneously cooperates with the pump 110b to provide pumped-refrigerant based cooling to the two-phase cooling fluid flowing into the evaporator 102.

In at least one embodiment, a cooling system 100 according to the disclosure can include one or more evaporators 102 configured to transfer heat to a two-phase cooling fluid, one or more compressors 104 downstream of the evaporator 102 in a first fluid path A of the two-phase cooling fluid, one or more segregation valves 114 downstream of the compressor 104 in the first fluid path A, a first condenser 106a downstream of a first segregation valve 114a in the first fluid path A, a first check valve 112c downstream of the first condenser 106a in the first fluid path A, a first expansion valve 108a downstream of the first check valve 112c in the first fluid path A and upstream of the evaporator 102 in the first fluid path A, a first pump 110a downstream of the first condenser 106a in a second fluid path B of the two-phase cooling fluid and upstream of the evaporator 102 in the second fluid path B, a second check valve 112a downstream of the evaporator 102 and upstream of the first condenser 106a in the second fluid path B, a third check valve 112b downstream of the first condenser 106a and upstream of the evaporator 102, a second expansion valve 108b downstream of first pump 110a and upstream of the evaporator 102 in the second fluid path B, or any combination thereof.

In at least one embodiment, the first segregation valve 114a and/or the first check valve 112c can selectively isolate the first condenser 106a from the first fluid path A. In at least one embodiment, the first segregation valve 114a and/or the first check valve 112c can selectively communicate the first condenser 106a with the first fluid path A. In at least one embodiment, the second check valve 112a can permit the two-phase cooling fluid to flow from the evaporator 102 to the first condenser 106a bypassing the compressor 104 and/or the first segregation valve 114a. In at least one embodiment, the third check valve 112b can permit the two-phase cooling fluid to flow from the first pump 110a to the evaporator 102.

In at least one embodiment, the first fluid path A of the two-phase cooling fluid can be through the evaporator 102, the compressor 104, the first segregation valve 114a, the first condenser 106a, the first check valve 112c, and the first expansion valve 108a, bypassing second check valve 112a, the first pump 110a, the third check valve 112b, and the second expansion valve 108b. In at least one embodiment, the second fluid path B of the two-phase cooling fluid can be through the evaporator 102, the second check valve 112a, and the first condenser 106a, the first pump 110a, the third check valve 112b, and the second expansion valve 108b, bypassing the compressor 104, the first segregation valve 114a, the first check valve 112c, and the first expansion valve 108a.

In at least one embodiment, the first condenser 106a can selectively cooperate with the compressor 104 and the first expansion valve 108a to provide compressor-based cooling to the two-phase cooling fluid flowing into the evaporator 102. In at least one embodiment, the first condenser 106a can selectively cooperate with the first pump 110a and/or the second expansion valve 108b to provide pumped-refrigerant based cooling to the two-phase cooling fluid flowing into the evaporator 102.

In at least one embodiment, the system 100 can include a second segregation valve 114b downstream of the compressor 104 in the first fluid path A, a second condenser 106b downstream of the second segregation valve 114b in the first fluid path A, a fourth check valve 112f downstream of the second condenser 106b in the first fluid path A, a second pump 110b downstream of the second condenser 106b in a second fluid path B of the two-phase cooling fluid and upstream of the evaporator 102 in the second fluid path B, a fifth check valve 112d downstream of the evaporator 102 and upstream of the second condenser 106b in the second fluid path B, a sixth check valve 112e downstream of the second condenser 106b and upstream of the evaporator 102, or any combination thereof.

In at least one embodiment, the second segregation valve 114b and/or the fourth check valve 112f can selectively isolate the second condenser 106b from the first fluid path A. In at least one embodiment, the second segregation 114b valve and/or the fourth check valve 112f can selectively communicate the second condenser 106b with the first fluid path A. In at least one embodiment, the fifth check valve 112d can permit the two-phase cooling fluid to flow from the evaporator 102 to the second condenser 106b bypassing the compressor 104 and the second segregation valve 114b. In at least one embodiment, the sixth check valve 112e can permit the two-phase cooling fluid to flow from the second pump 110b to the evaporator 102.

In at least one embodiment, the second condenser 106b can selectively cooperate with the compressor 104 and/or the first expansion valve 108a to provide compressor-based cooling to the two-phase cooling fluid flowing to the evaporator 102. In at least one embodiment, the second condenser 106b can selectively cooperate with the second pump 110b to provide pumped-refrigerant based cooling, or free cooling, to the two-phase cooling fluid flowing to the evaporator 102. In at least one embodiment, one or more pipes can be insulated, such as one or more pipes fluidically between the evaporator 102 and any or all compressors 104. While one or more dimensions (e.g., pipe or conduit sizes) may be included in one or more figures of the present disclosure, such dimensions are not limitative and are merely illustrative of one of many possible implementations of the present disclosure.

In at least one embodiment, a method according to the disclosure, such as a cooling method or a method for cooling, can include absorbing heat with a two-phase cooling fluid in an evaporator 102, and/or cooling a first portion of the two-phase cooling fluid using a compressor 104 and a first condenser 106a while simultaneously cooling a second portion of the two-phase cooling fluid using a first pump 110b and a second condenser 106b.

In at least one embodiment, a method according to the disclosure can include monitoring an ambient temperature. In at least one embodiment, the method can include cooling the two-phase cooling fluid using the compressor 104, the first condenser 106a, and the second condenser 106b, bypassing the first pump 110b, such as when the ambient temperature is above a first setpoint. In at least one embodiment, the method can include cooling the first portion of the two-phase cooling fluid using the compressor 104 and the first condenser 106a while simultaneously cooling the second portion of the two-phase cooling fluid using the first pump 110b and the second condenser 106b, such as when the ambient temperature is below the first setpoint and above a second setpoint. In at least one embodiment, the method can include cooling the two-phase cooling fluid using the first pump 110b, the first condenser 106a, and the second condenser 106b, bypassing the compressor 104, such as when the ambient temperature is below the second setpoint. In at least one embodiment, the method can include cooling the two-phase cooling fluid using the first pump 110b and the second condenser 106b while simultaneously using the first condenser 106a and a second pump 110a, such as when the ambient temperature is below the second setpoint.

In at least one embodiment, rather than using one compressor 104, as shown, a system 100 according to the disclosure could use a compressor 104 for each condenser 106. In at least one embodiment, rather than using a separate pump 110 for each condenser 106, as shown, a system 100 according to the disclosure can use one pump 110 servicing two or more condensers 106. For example, rather that check valves 112b, 112e, as shown, the system 100 can include a segregation valve 114 between the first condenser 106a and the pump 110 and another segregation valve 114 between the second condenser 106b and the pump 110. By opening one or both segregations valves 114, as desired, the system 100 can use one pump 110 to service both condensers 106a, 106b in free-cooling mode.

In at least one embodiment, a cooling system according to the disclosure can include an evaporator configured to transfer heat to a two-phase cooling fluid, a compressor downstream of the evaporator in a first fluid path of the two-phase cooling fluid, a first condenser downstream of the compressor in the first fluid path, a first expansion valve downstream of the first condenser in the first fluid path and upstream of the evaporator in the first fluid path, a second condenser downstream of the evaporator in a second fluid path of the two-phase cooling fluid, a first pump downstream of the second condenser in the second fluid path and upstream of the evaporator in the second fluid path, a second expansion valve downstream of the first pump in the second fluid path and upstream of the evaporator in the second fluid path, or any combination thereof.

In at least one embodiment, the first condenser can selectively communicate with the second fluid path. In at least one embodiment, the two-phase cooling fluid can selectively flow through the evaporator, the compressor, the first condenser, and the first expansion valve. In at least one embodiment, the two-phase cooling fluid can selectively flow through the evaporator and the first condenser, bypassing the compressor and the first expansion valve.

In at least one embodiment, the system can include a first check valve downstream of the evaporator and upstream of the first condenser and/or a second check valve downstream of the first condenser and upstream of the evaporator. In at least one embodiment, the first check valve can permit the two-phase cooling fluid to flow from the evaporator to the first condenser bypassing the compressor. In at least one embodiment, the first check valve can prevent the two-phase cooling fluid from flowing from the first condenser to the evaporator. In at least one embodiment, the second check valve can permit the two-phase cooling fluid to flow from the first condenser to the evaporator. In at least one embodiment, the second check valve can prevent the two-phase cooling fluid from flowing from the evaporator to the first condenser. In at least one embodiment, the system can include a second pump in-line with the second check valve between the first condenser and the evaporator and/or a second pump upstream of the second check valve and downstream of the first condenser.

In at least one embodiment, the second condenser can selectively communicate with the first fluid path. In at least one embodiment, the two-phase cooling fluid can selectively flow through the evaporator, the compressor, the second condenser, and the first expansion valve. In at least one embodiment, the two-phase cooling fluid can selectively flow through the evaporator and the second condenser, bypassing the compressor and the first expansion valve.

In at least one embodiment, the system can include a segregation valve downstream of the compressor in the first fluid path and in fluid communication with the second condenser and/or a check valve downstream of the second condenser and in fluid communication with the first expansion valve. In at least one embodiment, the segregation valve and/or the check valve can selectively isolate the second condenser from the first fluid path. In at least one embodiment, the segregation valve and/or the check valve can selectively communicate the second condenser with the first fluid path.

In at least one embodiment, the first condenser can cooperate with the compressor and the first expansion valve to provide compressor-based cooling to the two-phase cooling fluid flowing into the evaporator. In at least one embodiment, the second condenser can cooperate with the pump to provide pumped-refrigerant based cooling to the two-phase cooling fluid flowing into the evaporator. In at least one embodiment, the first condenser can cooperate with the compressor and the first expansion valve to provide compressor-based cooling to the two-phase cooling fluid flowing into the evaporator while the second condenser simultaneously cooperates with the pump to provide pumped-refrigerant based cooling to the two-phase cooling fluid flowing into the evaporator.

In at least one embodiment, a cooling system according to the disclosure can include an evaporator configured to transfer heat to a two-phase cooling fluid, a compressor downstream of the evaporator in a first fluid path of the two-phase cooling fluid, a first segregation valve downstream of the compressor in the first fluid path, a first condenser downstream of the first segregation valve in the first fluid path, a first check valve downstream of the first condenser in the first fluid path, a first expansion valve downstream of the first check valve in the first fluid path and upstream of the evaporator in the first fluid path, a first pump downstream of the first condenser in a second fluid path of the two-phase cooling fluid and upstream of the evaporator in the second fluid path, a second check valve downstream of the evaporator and upstream of the first condenser in the second fluid path, a third check valve downstream of the first condenser and upstream of the evaporator, a second expansion valve downstream of first pump and upstream of the evaporator in the second fluid path, or any combination thereof.

In at least one embodiment, the first segregation valve and/or the first check valve can selectively isolate the first condenser from the first fluid path. In at least one embodiment, the first segregation valve and/or the first check valve can selectively communicate the first condenser with the first fluid path. In at least one embodiment, the second check valve can permit the two-phase cooling fluid to flow from the evaporator to the first condenser bypassing the compressor and/or the first segregation valve. In at least one embodiment, the third check valve can permit the two-phase cooling fluid to flow from the first pump to the evaporator.

In at least one embodiment, the first fluid path of the two-phase cooling fluid can be through the evaporator, the compressor, the first segregation valve, the first condenser, the first check valve, and the first expansion valve, bypassing second check valve, the first pump, the third check valve, and the second expansion valve. In at least one embodiment, the second fluid path of the two-phase cooling fluid can be through the evaporator, the second check valve, and the first condenser, the first pump, the third check valve, and the second expansion valve, bypassing the compressor, the first segregation valve, the first check valve, and the first expansion valve.

In at least one embodiment, the first condenser can selectively cooperate with the compressor and the first expansion valve to provide compressor-based cooling to the two-phase cooling fluid flowing into the evaporator. In at least one embodiment, the first condenser can selectively cooperate with the first pump and the second expansion valve to provide pumped-refrigerant based cooling to the two-phase cooling fluid flowing into the evaporator.

In at least one embodiment, the system can include a second segregation valve downstream of the compressor in the first fluid path, a second condenser downstream of the second segregation valve in the first fluid path, a fourth check valve downstream of the second condenser in the first fluid path, a second pump downstream of the second condenser in a second fluid path of the two-phase cooling fluid and upstream of the evaporator in the second fluid path, a fifth check valve downstream of the evaporator and upstream of the second condenser in the second fluid path, a sixth check valve downstream of the second condenser and upstream of the evaporator, or any combination thereof.

In at least one embodiment, the second segregation valve and/or the fourth check valve can selectively isolate the second condenser from the first fluid path. In at least one embodiment, the second segregation valve and/or the fourth check valve can selectively communicate the second condenser with the first fluid path. In at least one embodiment, the fifth check valve can permit the two-phase cooling fluid to flow from the evaporator to the second condenser bypassing the compressor and the second segregation valve. In at least one embodiment, the sixth check valve can permit the two-phase cooling fluid to flow from the second pump to the evaporator.

In at least one embodiment, the second condenser can selectively cooperate with the compressor and the first expansion valve to provide compressor-based cooling to the two-phase cooling fluid flowing into the evaporator. In at least one embodiment, the second condenser can selectively cooperate with the second pump to provide pumped-refrigerant based cooling to the two-phase cooling fluid flowing into the evaporator.

In at least one embodiment, a method according to the disclosure can include absorbing heat with a two-phase cooling fluid in an evaporator, and/or cooling a first portion of the two-phase cooling fluid using a compressor and a first condenser while simultaneously cooling a second portion of the two-phase cooling fluid using a first pump and a second condenser.

In at least one embodiment, a method according to the disclosure can include monitoring an ambient temperature. In at least one embodiment, the method can include cooling the two-phase cooling fluid using the compressor, the first condenser, and the second condenser, bypassing the first pump, such as when the ambient temperature is above a first setpoint. In at least one embodiment, the method can include cooling the first portion of the two-phase cooling fluid using the compressor and the first condenser while simultaneously cooling the second portion of the two-phase cooling fluid using the first pump and the second condenser, such as when the ambient temperature is below the first setpoint and above a second setpoint. In at least one embodiment, the method can include cooling the two-phase cooling fluid using the first pump, the first condenser, and the second condenser, bypassing the compressor, such as when the ambient temperature is below the second setpoint. In at least one embodiment, the method can include cooling the two-phase cooling fluid using the first pump and the second condenser while simultaneously using the first condenser and a second pump, such as when the ambient temperature is below the second setpoint.

Other and further embodiments utilizing one or more aspects of the disclosure can be devised without departing from the spirit of Applicant's disclosure. For example, the devices, systems and methods can be implemented for numerous different types and sizes in numerous different industries. Further, the various methods and embodiments of the devices, systems and methods can be included in combination with each other to produce variations of the disclosed methods and embodiments. Discussion of singular elements can include plural elements and vice versa. The order of steps can occur in a variety of sequences unless otherwise specifically limited. The various steps described herein can be combined with other steps, interlineated with the stated steps, and/or split into multiple steps. Similarly, elements have been described functionally and can be embodied as separate components or can be combined into components having multiple functions.

The inventions have been described in the context of preferred and other embodiments and not every embodiment of the inventions has been described. Obvious modifications and alterations to the described embodiments are available to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefits of the present disclosure. The disclosed and undisclosed embodiments are not intended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of the inventions conceived of by the Applicant, but rather, in conformity with the patent laws, Applicant intends to fully protect all such modifications and improvements that come within the scope or range of equivalents of the following claims.