Power supply system and method of managing the same

A power supply system for a data center includes a cooling circuit, an electrochemical power generator, a sensor, and a processor. The cooling circuit includes a fluid configured to receive heat energy generated by a server located in the data center. The electrochemical power generator is configured to receive and/or generate the fluid of the cooling circuit and to generate electrical energy for the server using the fluid. The sensor is configured to obtain data regarding the server. The processor is configured to control an amount of heat energy transferred from the server to the fluid based on the data.

BACKGROUND

Electrochemical power generators, such as fuel cells and flow batteries (e.g., vanadium redox flow batteries, etc.), can be used to generate electrical energy to power various devices and systems. For example, in some applications, electrochemical power generators can be used to generate electrical energy to power data servers in a data center. Data servers generate large amounts of heat and typically require an auxiliary cooling system, such as fans, heat exchangers, or other similar cooling devices to maintain a normal operating temperature. Generally speaking, auxiliary cooling systems use a working fluid (e.g., water, coolant, etc.) that is separate and distinct from the fluid(s) used in the electrochemical power generators (e.g., reactants, fuels, oxidants, etc.).

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to a power supply system for a data center including a cooling circuit, an electrochemical power generator, a sensor, and a processor. The cooling circuit includes a fluid and is configured to receive at least a portion of heat energy generated by a server located in the data center. The electrochemical power generator is configured to receive and/or generate the fluid of the cooling circuit and to generate electrical energy for the server using the fluid. The sensor is configured to obtain data regarding the server. The processor is configured to control an amount of heat energy transferred from the server to the fluid based on the data.

Another embodiment relates to a power supply system for a data center including a cooling circuit and an electrochemical power generator. The cooling circuit is configured to exchange heat energy between a server located in the data center and a fluid being circulated in the cooling circuit such that at least a portion of the heat energy released by the server is absorbed by the fluid. The electrochemical power generator is configured to receive the fluid from the cooling circuit and to generate power for the server using the fluid.

Yet another embodiment relates to a power supply system for a data center including an electrochemical power generator and a cooling circuit. The electrochemical power generator is configured to generate a fluid by-product and to generate electrical energy for the server. The cooling circuit is configured to receive the fluid by-product from the electrochemical power generator, to circulate the fluid by-product within the cooling circuit, and to exchange heat energy between a server located in the data center and the fluid by-product such that at least a portion of the heat energy released by the server is absorbed by the fluid by-product.

Yet another embodiment relates to a control system for a data center including a cooling circuit, an electrochemical power generator, and a processor. The cooling circuit includes a fluid and is configured to receive at least a portion of heat energy generated by a server located in the data center. The electrochemical power generator is configured to receive and/or generate the fluid of the cooling circuit and to generate power for the server. The processor is configured to: receive power demand data regarding a power demand of the server; control an amount of power generated by the electrochemical power generator based on the power demand data; and control an amount of heat energy transferred to the fluid from the server based on the power demand data.

Yet another embodiment relates to a method of managing a power supply system for a data center. The method includes circulating a fluid in a cooling circuit; obtaining data regarding a server located in the data center using a sensor; controlling the transfer of heat energy from the server to the fluid based on the data; coupling the fluid to an electrochemical power generator; and generating power for the server using the fluid in the electrochemical power generator.

Yet another embodiment relates to a method of managing a power supply system for a data center. The method includes circulating a fluid in a cooling circuit; exchanging heat energy between a server located in the data center and the fluid in the cooling circuit; transferring the fluid to an electrochemical power generator; and generating power for the server using the fluid in the electrochemical power generator.

Yet another embodiment relates to a method of managing a power supply system for a data center. The method includes circulating a fluid in a cooling circuit to exchange heat energy between a server located in the data center and the fluid; coupling the fluid to an electrochemical power generator; generating power for the server using the fluid in the electrochemical power generator; receiving data regarding a power demand of the server; controlling an amount of power generated by the electrochemical power generator based on the power demand data; and controlling an amount of heat energy transferred between the server and the fluid based on the power demand data.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A problem with traditional electrochemical power generators (e.g., fuel cells, flow batteries, etc.) as a power source for data servers is that they generally use gases (e.g., methane, hydrogen, etc.) and operate at high temperatures. One reason for this is to achieve a large electrochemical potential in the power generator, which can result in an operating condition where water would be electrolyzed if it were present. Therefore, most electrochemical power generators do not use liquid reactants in water-based power solutions.

However, in the context of data servers, the native voltage requirements for the electrical circuits are low (e.g., 0.8 to 1.5 volts). Accordingly, liquid reactants having low electrochemical potentials (i.e., low temperature aqueous reactants) may be used as a working fluid in the electrochemical power generator to provide electrical energy to power the data servers. The liquid reactants can also be used as a heat exchange fluid to absorb heat energy from the data server electronics. In other embodiments, liquid by-products resulting from an electrochemical reaction in the electrochemical power generator can be used as a heat exchange fluid to absorb heat energy from the data server.

Referring generally to the Figures, disclosed herein are power supply systems and methods for managing power supply systems using a working fluid (e.g., a low temperature aqueous reactant) both to absorb heat energy from a load (e.g., a data center, a server, etc.) and to generate electrical energy (i.e., serving as a reactant or a by-product) in an electrochemical power generator (e.g., a fuel cell, a flow battery, etc.) to provide power to a server in a data center. In one embodiment, the amount of heat energy generated by the data server and absorbed by the working fluid is controlled based on data regarding the server (e.g., temperature data, power demand data, power delivery rate data, usage data, etc.). In another embodiment, the amount of power (i.e., electrical energy) generated by the electrochemical power generator is controlled based on data regarding the data server (e.g., power demand data, power delivery rate data, etc.).

In the various embodiments disclosed herein, the power supply system includes a centralized storage tank (i.e., reservoir, vessel, container, etc.) configured to store the working fluid (i.e., reactants or by-products) for use by a plurality of electrochemical power generators located at one or more data servers within the data center. The reactants can be communicated from the storage tank to the local power generators using a pump and a conduit (e.g., small-diameter tubing, piping, etc.). The by-products from the electrochemical reaction in the electrochemical power generator can be delivered to a storage tank, and/or regenerated into reactants using electrical energy from a power source. For example, an external power source (e.g., electricity from an external power grid) can be imported to the data center and be used to regenerate liquid by-products into reactants which can then be stored in a storage tank. At a future time, as a data server requires electrical power, the stored reactants can be delivered to an electrochemical power generator near the server, supplying it with electricity. Reaction by-products from the electrochemical power generator can be transported to a storage tank, either for disposal, or for future regeneration into reactants when external power is available for regeneration.

The above described process allows delivery of external power to be time shifted from the use of the power to run a server; for instance, by allowing electricity to be bought at night (e.g., for a relatively low price because demand is lower than during the day) and used throughout the day. This process also can allow internal transport of power within the data center to be performed indirectly using fluid transport rather than directly using electricity. If power needs to be delivered to the data servers at a low voltage (e.g., a voltage matching the data server circuitry), delivery as electrochemical reactants can be advantageous compared to delivery of low voltage, high current electricity. In this way, the power supply system can operate in a closed loop with the fluid (i.e., liquid reactants, liquid by-products, etc.) operating as both a heat exchange fluid and a fuel for the electrochemical power generator.

Referring toFIG. 1, a schematic illustration of power supply system100is shown according to one embodiment. Power supply system100is shown operatively coupled to data servers140, which form part of a data center. In various embodiments, the data center includes a plurality of data servers140located therein. In other embodiments, the data center includes only one data server140. As shown inFIG. 1, power supply system100includes electrochemical power generators110each operatively coupled (i.e., connected, etc.) to data servers140to provide electrical energy for powering each data server140. In the embodiment shown, electrochemical power generators110are local to data servers140(i.e., located in close proximity to data centers140). For example, electrochemical power generators110may be located at data servers140, at a rack for data servers140, in a structure housing data servers140, or at the electronic chip level of data servers140. In various embodiments, electrochemical power generators110may be a fuel cell, a flow battery (e.g., a vanadium redox flow battery, an iron-chromium flow battery, a zinc-iron flow battery, a quinine-based organic flow battery, etc.), or other similar type of electrochemical device configured to generate electrical energy using a reactant (e.g., a fuel, an oxidant, etc.) having a low electrochemical potential. In some embodiments, a flow battery may comprise reactants the same as or similar to those discussed in “Reduction Potentials of One-Electron Couples Involving Free Radicals in Aqueous Solutions”, authored by Peter Wardman, J. Phys. Chem. Ref. Data, Vol. 18, page 1637 (1989).

Power supply system100includes conduit120defining a flow path configured to receive/circulate a fluid therein (i.e., a reactant, an aqueous liquid reactant, a fuel, an oxidant, etc.). Conduit120is connected at one end to tank160(i.e., storage tank, reservoir, vessel, container, etc.). Tank160is configured to hold/retain a volume of working fluid (i.e., liquid reactant, fuel, etc.) for use in power supply system100. As shown inFIG. 1, conduit120fluidly couples tank160to electrochemical power generator110. In various embodiments, conduit120may be a tube, a pipe, or other similar conduit suitable for communicating fluid in power supply system100. In various embodiments, the fluid is circulated throughout power supply system100using pump133or other similar device suitable for transferring fluid.

As shown inFIG. 1, power supply system100includes tank150disposed along conduit120. Tank150is configured to receive a by-product fluid resulting from an electrochemical reaction in the electrochemical power generators110. In the embodiment shown, tank150is operatively connected to control system170and to electrical grid180. Tank150, control system170, and electrical grid180collectively define a regeneration system configured to regenerate the by-product fluid received at tank150into a liquid reactant for re-use in power supply system100. For example, tank150including a volume of by-product fluid is configured to receive electrical energy from electrical grid180. The electrical energy can be used in conjunction with control system170to regenerate the by-product fluid into a useable liquid reactant (e.g., a fuel, an aqueous liquid reactant, an oxidant, etc.). The regenerated reactant can be transferred from tank150to tank160for storage and reuse in power supply system100.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, power supply system100further includes cooling circuits130disposed between tank160and electrochemical power generator110. As shown, cooling circuits130are locally positioned at each data server140. Cooling circuits130are in thermal communication with each data server140. In this manner, heat energy can be transferred from data servers140to fluid being circulated in cooling circuit130. In one embodiment, cooling circuits130are configured to circulate fluid received from tank160via conduit120. The fluid is circulated past data servers140to absorb heat energy discharged by data servers140when data servers140are operating. The heat energy is absorbed by the fluid flowing/circulating in cooling circuits130. The fluid having the absorbed heat energy is transferred back to conduit120for use in electrochemical power generator110to generate electrical energy for powering data servers140. This configuration is advantageous because the heat energy absorbed from data servers140not only helps to reduce the operating temperature of data servers140, but also acts as a pre-heating step for the fluid before being reacted in electrochemical power generators110. The pre-heating step helps facilitate a chemical reaction in electrochemical power generators110to produce electrical energy for data servers140.

In another, unillustrated, embodiment, one or more fluid by-products being transported from electrochemical power generator110(e.g., to storage tank150) are circulated past data servers140to absorb heat energy discharged by data servers140when data servers140are operating. In some embodiments, one or more reactants and/or by-products are contained and transported within a carrier fluid (e.g., water, etc.). In such embodiments, heat energy discharged by data servers140can also be received by the carrier fluid in addition to the reactants or by-products carried within the carrier fluid. In some embodiments, both reactants and by-products are circulated past data servers140to absorb heat energy discharged by data servers140. Since the reactants and by-products are generally at different temperatures, the amount of each fluid circulated past data servers140can be controlled so as to vary the fluid temperature to which data servers140transfer heat, thereby controlling the amount of heat energy removed from data servers140.

Power supply system100further includes sensors175each coupled to data servers140. In one embodiment, sensors175are coupled directly to data servers140. In other embodiments, sensors175may be coupled to a data server rack for holding/retaining data servers140or to another portion (or structure) of the data center. Sensors175are configured to obtain data regarding data servers140. In various embodiments, sensors175may be a thermistor, an infrared sensor, or other similar type of electronic sensor suitable for obtaining data from data servers140or an area surrounding data servers140.

In one embodiment, sensors175are configured to obtain data regarding a temperature of data servers140. In one embodiment, the temperature data is indicative of an operating temperature of data servers140. In another embodiment, the temperature data is an ambient temperature surrounding data servers140within the data center. In another embodiment, the temperature data is a temperature of heat transfer fluid leaving data servers140. In another embodiment, the temperature data is a temperature rise (i.e., a temperature change) of heat transfer fluid receiving heat energy from data servers140. In another embodiment, sensors175are configured to obtain data regarding a power demand for data servers140. In another embodiment, sensors175are configured to obtain data regarding a usage level (e.g., computational work load, etc.) for data servers140. In another embodiment, sensors175are configured to obtain data regarding a power delivery rate from electrochemical power generators110. In other embodiments, sensors175are configured to obtain a combination of the above data regarding data servers140.

Power supply system100further includes control system170configured to receive the data obtained by sensors175. Control system170is also configured to control an amount of heat energy generated by servers140and transferred to the fluid based on the sensor data (e.g., through a processor discussed in greater detail with respect toFIG. 5). For example, in one embodiment, the data obtained by sensors175is indicative of an operating temperature of data servers140. Based on the temperature data, control system170and, in particular, a processor (such as central processing unit171shown inFIG. 5), is configured to increase an amount of heat energy transferred from data servers140to fluid circulating in cooling circuit130if the temperature of data servers140exceeds a threshold value stored in control system170(e.g., a pre-set or programmable value). Alternatively, the processor is configured to decrease an amount of heat energy transferred from data servers140to fluid circulating in cooling circuit130if the temperature of data servers140is below a threshold value (e.g., a threshold temperature value). In this manner, control system170is adapted to maintain a target operating temperature of data servers140, thereby improving operation and performance of data servers140.

In another embodiment, the data obtained by sensors175is a power demand of data servers140, or a related metric such as a usage level/amount of data servers140. For example, if control system170determines that there is an increase in power demand by servers140(e.g., due to an increase in use of data servers140), control system170is configured to increase an amount of heat energy transferred from data servers140to fluid circulating in cooling circuit130. Similarly, if control system170determines that there is a decrease in power demand by servers140, control system170is configured to decrease an amount of heat energy transferred from data servers140to fluid circulating in cooling circuit130. In this manner, control system170can anticipate and adapt power supply system100to changes in the cooling/temperature requirements of data servers140based on an amount of power demanded by data servers140.

In another embodiment, the power demand data obtained from data servers140is used to control an amount of power generated by electrochemical power generators110. For example, if control system170determines that there is an increase in power demand by servers140(e.g., due to an increase in use of data servers), control system170is configured to increase an amount of fluid received by electrochemical power generators110to increase an amount of electrical energy generated by electrochemical power generators110. Similarly, if control system170determines that there is a decrease in power demand by servers140, control system170is configured to decrease an amount of fluid received by electrochemical power generators110to decrease an amount of electrical energy generated by electrochemical power generators110.

Referring toFIGS. 2-4, various systems for controlling/managing the amount of heat energy transferred from data servers140are shown. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2, power supply system100includes heat transfer device135disposed along conduit120. In one embodiment, heat transfer device135is a heat exchanger. In various embodiments, heat transfer device135may be an air-to-liquid heat exchanger, a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger, a heat pipe, or other similar type of heat transfer device suitable for exchanging heat energy between data servers140and cooling circuit130. In one embodiment, cooling circuit130is configured to circulate a secondary fluid (i.e., a second fluid, an intermediate fluid, etc.) past data servers140. The secondary fluid is configured to absorb/receive at least a portion of the heat energy generated by data servers140. Heat transfer device135is configured to exchange heat energy between the secondary fluid circulating in cooling circuit130and the fluid (i.e., a first fluid) flowing within conduit120toward electrochemical power generator110.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2, data regarding data server140is obtained by sensor175and sent to control system170. In one embodiment, control system170is configured to control the amount of heat energy transferred to the fluid flowing along conduit120by adjusting an area of contact between the fluid and the heat exchanger. For example, if control system170determines that there is an increase in temperature (or power demand) based on data received from sensors175, control system170can increase the area of contact between the fluid and the heat exchanger (e.g., by sending a control signal to move the heat exchanger toward the fluid circulating along conduit120). In one embodiment, the control signal can be an alert (e.g., an audible signal, a visual signal, etc.) to a user to manually adjust/move the heat exchanger and/or conduit120. In another embodiment, power supply system100can include a motor configured to receive the control signal and to automatically adjust/move the heat exchanger and/or conduit120.

In another embodiment shown inFIG. 2, control system170can adjust a flow rate of the secondary fluid circulating along cooling circuit130based on the data obtained by sensor175. For example, if control system170determines that there is an increase in temperature (or power demand) based on data received from sensors175, control system170can increase the flow rate of the secondary fluid circulating along cooling circuit130to increase the amount of heat energy exchanged between data server140and the secondary fluid. The flow rate of the secondary fluid can be adjusted by sending a control signal from control system170to pump133disposed along cooling circuit130.

In another embodiment shown inFIG. 3, power supply system100includes valve136disposed between conduit120and cooling circuit130. Valve136is configured to control a flow of fluid from conduit120to cooling circuit130. In the embodiment shown, cooling circuit130is in contact with data server140such that heat energy from data server140is absorbed by fluid circulating along cooling circuit130. In one embodiment, cooling circuit130includes a pipe (i.e., a conduit, a tube, etc.) configured to exchange heat energy directly with data server140using conduction.

In one embodiment, control system170is configured to control operation of valve136to control the amount of heat energy transferred from data server140based on data obtained by sensor175. For example, if control system170determines that there is an increase in temperature (or power demand) based on data received from sensor175, control system170can open valve136to increase the amount of fluid circulating along cooling circuit130to thereby increase the amount of heat energy exchanged between data server140and the fluid. Alternatively, if control system170determines that there is a decrease in temperature (or power demand) based on data received from sensor175, control system170can close valve136to divert the fluid circulating along cooling circuit130to conduit120to thereby decrease the amount of heat energy exchanged between data server140and the fluid. The operation of valve136is controlled by sending a control signal from control system170to valve136.

Referring toFIG. 2, in another embodiment, heat transfer device135is a heat pipe in thermal communication with data server140. In one embodiment, control system170is configured to adjust a thermal conductivity of the heat pipe to thereby control an amount of heat energy exchanged between data server140and the fluid circulating along cooling circuit130. For example, if control system170determines that there is an increase in temperature (or power demand) based on data received from sensors175, control system170can increase the thermal conductivity of the heat pipe to increase the amount of heat energy exchanged between data server140and the fluid circulating along the heat pipe of cooling circuit130. In one embodiment, the heat pipe may be a variable conductance heat pipe such that the effective thermal conductivity may be varied as desired (e.g., by varying the amount of a non-condensable buffer gas within the heat pipe).

According to another embodiment shown inFIG. 4, cooling circuit130includes heat transfer device135and pump133disposed along cooling circuit130. Pump133is configured to circulate a secondary fluid (i.e., a second fluid, an intermediate fluid, etc.) along cooling circuit130. The secondary fluid is configured to absorb/receive at least a portion of the heat energy generated by data server140(e.g., via conduction, via heat transfer device, etc.). Heat transfer device135is configured to facilitate heat energy exchange between the secondary fluid and the fluid (i.e., a first fluid) circulating along conduit120.

In the embodiment shown, power supply system100also includes valve136disposed along conduit120upstream from heat transfer device135. In this embodiment, control system170is configured to control operation of valve136to thereby control the amount of heat energy transferred between data server140and the fluid circulating along conduit120. For example, if control system170determines that there is an increase in temperature (or power demand) based on data received from sensor175, control system170can open valve136to increase the amount of fluid circulating along conduit120toward heat transfer device135to thereby increase the amount of heat energy exchanged between data server140and the fluid (e.g., through the secondary fluid). Alternatively, if control system170determines that there is a decrease in temperature (or power demand) based on data received from sensor175, control system170can close valve136to divert the fluid circulating along conduit120to bypass heat transfer device135and thereby decrease the amount of heat energy exchanged between data server140and the fluid. The operation of valve136is controlled by sending a control signal from control system170to valve136.

In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 1-4, control system170may be configured to adjust an amount of fluid circulating within conduit120and travelling through or past cooling circuit130to thereby control the amount of heat energy exchanged between data server140and the fluid. For example, if control system170determines that there is an increase in temperature (or power demand) based on data received from sensors175, control system170can increase the amount of fluid circulating along conduit120past or through cooling circuit130to increase the amount of heat energy exchanged between data server140and the fluid. The amount of the fluid can be adjusted by sending a control signal from control system170to a valve, such as valve136, disposed along conduit120.

Referring toFIG. 5, control system170is shown according to one embodiment. Control system170includes a processor shown as central processing unit171. Control system170also includes memory172configured to store data relating to power supply system100(e.g., temperature data, power demand data, power delivery rate data, etc.). As shown inFIG. 5and as described above, central processing unit171is configured to receive data from sensors175. In one embodiment, central processing unit171is configured to control an amount of heat energy transferred from data servers140to fluid being circulated in cooling circuit130based on the data received from sensors175. The data obtained by sensors175can include a temperature of data servers140, a temperature or a temperature rise/change of the fluid, a power demand or usage level of data servers140, and/or a power delivery rate for electrochemical power generators110. The various data obtained by sensors175can be stored in memory172for later use and/or analysis.

In another embodiment, central processing unit171is configured to control an amount of power generated by electrochemical power generators110based on power demand data for data servers140. Central processing unit171can also be configured to control an amount of heat energy transferred to fluid being circulated in or past cooling circuit130from data servers140. As described above, central processing unit171is configured to control the amount of heat energy transferred from data servers140in various ways. In one embodiment, central processing unit is configured to operate pump125(shown inFIG. 1) and/or pump133(shown inFIGS. 2 and 4) to control the amount of heat energy transferred from data servers140based on data obtained from sensors175. In another embodiment, central processing unit171is configured to operate pump125to control the amount of electrical energy generated by electrochemical power generators110. In another embodiment, central processing unit171is configured to adjust a position of heat transfer device135to control the amount of heat energy transferred from data servers140. In another embodiment, central processing unit171is configured to control operation of valve136to control the amount of heat energy transferred from data servers140. In this manner, control system170can actively control an amount of heat energy transferred from data servers140and an amount of power generated by electrochemical power generators110based on real-time data obtained by sensors175.

As shown inFIG. 5, control system170also includes a connection to electrical grid180to receive electrical power to perform various operations. In one embodiment, central processing unit171is configured to receive electrical power from grid180and to regenerate electrochemical by-products into liquid reactants at tank150(labeled as REGEN inFIG. 5). Control system170also includes I/O port173for sending and receiving various control signals to and from control system170(e.g., electronic signals, audio signals, visual signals, alerts, etc.).

In the various embodiments described herein, central processing unit171may be implemented as a general-purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a digital-signal-processor (DSP), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. Memory172is one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash Memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for facilitating the various processes described herein. Memory172may be or include non-transient volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Memory172may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described herein. Memory172may be communicably connected to central processing unit171and provide computer code or instructions to central processing unit171for executing the processes described herein.

Referring toFIGS. 6-9, various methods for controlling/managing power supply system100are shown according to various embodiments. According to one embodiment shown inFIG. 6, method600includes circulating a fluid in cooling circuit130(610). Method600further includes exchanging heat energy between data servers140and the fluid circulating in cooling circuit130(620). The fluid is transferred from cooling circuit130to electrochemical power generators110(630). The fluid is reacted in electrochemical power generators110to generate electrical energy for use by data servers140(640). As a result of the electrochemical reaction in electrochemical power generators110, a by-product fluid is created. The by-product fluid is regenerated into a reactant fluid in tank150using electrical energy from grid180(650). The regenerated fluid is transferred to tank160for storage and reuse in power supply system100(660).

Referring toFIG. 7, method700is shown for controlling the amount of heat energy transferred from data servers140and for controlling the amount of electrical energy generated by electrochemical power generators110, according to one embodiment. As shown, sensors175obtain data regarding data servers140(710). In one embodiment, the data is a temperature of data servers140. In another embodiment, the data is a power demand of data servers140. In another embodiment, the data is a power delivery rate of electrochemical power generators110. Method700further includes transmitting the data obtained from sensors175to control system170and, in particular, to central processing unit (CPU)171(720). The data is used by central processing unit171both to control the amount of heat energy transferred from data servers140(730) and to control the amount of electrical energy generated by electrochemical power generators110(740).

In one embodiment shown inFIG. 8, method800includes determining whether a parameter value for data obtained from sensors175(i.e., temperature data, power demand data, power delivery rate data) is above or below a threshold value (810). If the parameter value is above the threshold value stored in control system170(e.g., a pre-set or programmable value), method800includes increasing the amount of heat energy transferred from data servers140to the fluid (820). Alternatively, if the parameter value is below the threshold value, method800includes decreasing the amount of heat energy transferred from data servers140to the fluid (830).

In another embodiment shown inFIG. 9, the data obtained by sensors175is used to control the amount of electrical energy (i.e., power) generated by electrochemical power generators110. As shown inFIG. 9, method900includes determining (using central processing unit171) whether a parameter value obtained by sensors175is above or below a threshold value (e.g., a power demand, a power delivery rate) (910). If the parameter value is above a threshold value stored in control system170(e.g., a pre-set or programmable value), then method900includes sending a control signal for increasing the amount of electrical energy generated by electrochemical power generators110(920). Alternatively, if the parameter value is below a threshold value, then method900includes sending a control signal for decreasing the amount of electrical energy generated by electrochemical power generators110(930).

The amount of heat energy transferred from data servers140may be controlled in various ways, as described above with reference toFIGS. 1-4. For example, referring toFIG. 10, method100is shown in accordance with power supply system100ofFIG. 2, according to one embodiment. Method100includes receiving data from sensors175(110). Method100further includes sending a control signal for adjusting an area of contact between a fluid flowing along conduit120and heat transfer device135to control the amount of heat energy transferred from data servers140based on the data (120). In one embodiment, heat transfer device135is a heat exchanger (e.g., a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger, an air-to-liquid heat exchanger, etc.). In another embodiment, heat transfer device135is a heat pipe (e.g., a variable conductance heat pipe, etc.). In other embodiments, heat transfer device135is another type of heat transfer device suitable for receiving heat energy from data servers140.

Referring toFIG. 11, method101is shown in accordance with power supply system100ofFIG. 2, according to one embodiment. Method101includes receiving data from sensors175(110). Method101further includes sending a control signal for adjusting a flow rate of a secondary fluid circulating along cooling circuit130based on the data obtained by sensor175(121). In one embodiment, the flow rate of the secondary fluid is adjusted by sending a control signal from control system170to pump133disposed along cooling circuit130.

Referring toFIG. 12, method102is shown in accordance with power supply system100ofFIG. 3, according to one embodiment. Method102includes receiving data from sensors175(112). Method102further includes sending a control signal for controlling (i.e., opening or closing) valve136to increase the amount of fluid circulating along cooling circuit130to thereby increase the amount of heat energy exchanged between data server140and the fluid based on the data (122). In one embodiment, operation of valve136is controlled by sending a control signal from control system170directly to valve136.

In another embodiment, in accordance with power supply system100ofFIG. 4, method102includes sending a control signal for controlling (e.g., opening or closing) valve136to increase the amount of fluid circulating along conduit120to thereby increase the amount of heat energy exchanged between data server140and the fluid. Operation of valve136is controlled by sending a control signal from control system170directly to valve136.

Referring toFIG. 13, method103is shown in accordance with power supply system100ofFIG. 2, according to one embodiment. Method103includes receiving data from sensors175(113). Method103further includes sending a control signal for adjusting a thermal conductivity of heat transfer device135(where heat transfer device135is a heat pipe) to thereby control an amount of heat energy exchanged between data server140and fluid circulating along cooling circuit130based on the data (123).

Referring toFIG. 14, method104is shown in accordance with power supply system100ofFIGS. 2 and 4, according to one embodiment. Method104includes circulating a secondary fluid (i.e., a second fluid, an intermediate fluid, etc.) along cooling circuit130(114). Method104further includes absorbing/receiving heat energy from data server140into the secondary fluid using conduction (124).

Referring toFIG. 15, method105is shown in accordance with power supply system100ofFIGS. 1 and 4, according to one embodiment. Method105includes circulating a secondary fluid (i.e., a second fluid, an intermediate fluid, etc.) along cooling circuit130and across data servers140(115). Method105further includes absorbing/receiving heat energy from data servers140into the secondary fluid (125). Heat transfer device135exchanges heat energy between the secondary fluid circulating in cooling circuit130and the fluid (i.e., a first fluid) flowing along conduit120toward electrochemical power generator110(135).