Cooling method with automated seasonal freeze protection

US9357682B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• International Business Machines Corporation · US

Inventors

• Levi A. Campbell · Poughkeepsie, US
• Richard C. Chu · Hopewell Junction, US
• Milnes P. David · Fishkill, US
• Michael J. Ellsworth, Jr. · Poughkeepsie, US
• Madhusudan K. Iyengar · Woodstock, US
• Robert E. Simons · Poughkeepsie, US
• Prabjit Singh · Poughkeepsie, US
• Jing Zhang · Poughkeepsie, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 4, 2013
• Grant date: May 31, 2016
• Expiry date: Oct 18, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F28F2265/14
• WIPO field: Audio-visual technology
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

An automated multi-fluid cooling method is provided for cooling an electronic component(s). The method includes obtaining a coolant loop, and providing a coolant tank, multiple valves, and a controller. The coolant loop is at least partially exposed to outdoor ambient air temperature(s) during normal operation, and the coolant tank includes first and second reservoirs containing first and second fluids, respectively. The first fluid freezes at a lower temperature than the second, the second fluid has superior cooling properties compared with the first, and the two fluids are soluble. The multiple valves are controllable to selectively couple the first or second fluid into the coolant in the coolant loop, wherein the coolant includes at least the second fluid. The controller automatically controls the valves to vary first fluid concentration level in the coolant loop based on historical, current, or anticipated outdoor air ambient temperature(s) for a time of year.