Patent Publication Number: US-2023161392-A1

Title: Flexible and Adaptive Interface between Electronics and Immersion Cooling System

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Computing equipment generates heat during operation and tends to operate better and fail at lower rates when cooled. For this reason, cooling systems for computing equipment have been developed. One type of cooling system is an immersion cooling system having a tank of evaporable liquid and a condenser, the condenser typically being located above evaporable liquid, for extracting heat from and condensing vapor that rises from the tank. Immersion cooling systems may have a bus bar running along a bottom of the tank for supplying power to immersed hardware and electronic or data connections above the evaporable liquid. The data connections are provided with wires for connecting to the immersed hardware, but the immersed hardware components are typically connected to the bus bar by moving the component as a whole such that the component’s power connection is placed in direct engagement with the bus bar. Immersion cooling is typically useful for computing equipment with particularly large cooling needs, such as computing equipment that generates a large amount of heat. Nonetheless, computing equipment that may be immersion cooled comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Immersion tanks are therefore usually designed to accommodate the largest expected computer hardware components. This means tanks will have larger volumes than necessary for most combinations of computer hardware such that filling the tank will require more evaporable liquid that necessary for effective cooling. Smaller hardware may be entirely submerged in such tanks, making connecting the data wires to the hardware inconvenient. Smaller hardware may also be narrower than the tank, creating difficulty in aligning the hardware with the bus bar. Variability in the placement of power connections between hardware components may also contribute to difficulty in alignment. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Aspects of this disclosure are directed to cages that may be designed to receive or be constructed around hardware components of various shapes and sizes to make the hardware components simpler to align in a tank of an immersion cooling system. The cages may be designed to provide a common width together with the respective components for which the cages are designed. That is, the cages may be designed such that any cage, together with the component for which the cage is designed and with the component received in the cage in an intended position, will have a predefined lateral width, the predefined lateral width being the same for each combination of cage and intended component. The predefined lateral width may equal or be approximately the same as an internal lateral width of a tank in which the component is expected to be immersed such that the component cannot be laterally misaligned in the tank if the lateral direction of the component is matched to the lateral direction of the tank. 
     Cages may also each include a power adaptor to engage a bus bar in the tank and provide power to the respective received hardware component. The power adaptor may include a bus bar connection, a component connection, and an electrical connection, such as, for example, a wire, electrically connecting the bus bar connection and the component connection. The component connection may be located in the cage to engage the power connection of the cooled hardware component when the component is received in the cage in an intended position. The bus bar connection may be located in the cage to engage the bus bar when the cage and the component are placed in the tank in an intended position, such as, for example, a position wherein the lateral direction of the cage and component matches the lateral direction of the tank such that the cage and component are constrained from lateral motion within the tank. Thus, in combination with the above mentioned matching of the combined lateral width of the cage and the component to the internal lateral width of the tank, the power adaptor may enable the caged component to simply be dropped into the tank in the only lateral position that its total lateral width allows, and electrical connection of the component to the bus bar will be assured. 
     The cages may also be designed such that any cage, together with the component for which the cage is designed and with the component received in the cage in an intended position, may have a predefined height, the predefined height being the same for each combination of cage and intended component. The predefined height may be matched to an expected bus bar height and expected depth of liquid in the tank such that the connection point for the wired data connection on the component received in the cage will be at or near the surface of the evaporable liquid. Construction of the cage to place the connection point for the wired data connection on the component near the surface of the evaporable liquid may optimize both ease of access to the connection point and cooling efficiency. 
     In another aspect, a cage for containing a liquid immersible computer hardware component may comprise a base portion. The cage may also comprise two elongate portions extending in a depth direction from the base portion and defining a socket adjacent to the base portion in the depth direction and between the elongate portions in a lateral direction that is perpendicular to the depth direction such that the base portion defines a depth extension below the socket in the depth direction and the elongate portions define lateral extensions on either side of the size. The cage may also comprise a cage power intake located at an outer edge of the cage and configured for engagement with an electrical power supply. The cage may also comprise a component connection electrically connected to the cage power intake and positioned to engage a component power intake of the component when the component is retained within the socket. 
     In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the socket may be open on both sides in a longitudinal direction that is perpendicular to the depth direction and the lateral axis. 
     In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the cage may comprise at least one block extending beyond the lateral extensions in the longitudinal direction. 
     In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the lateral extensions may extend beyond the socket in the depth direction. 
     In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the socket may be open on a side opposite from the depth extension. 
     In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the socket may be configured to retain the component in a predefined position at which the component power intake engages the component connection of the cage. 
     In another aspect, an assembly may comprise a computer hardware component having a component power intake and capable of operating while immersed in liquid and a cage retaining the component in a fixed position relative to the cage. The cage may comprise a cage power intake configured for engagement with an electrical power supply, a component connection engaging the component power intake, an electrical connection between the power intake and the component connection, a depth extension extending in a depth direction from the component, the cage power intake being located at an edge of the depth extension opposite from the component, and lateral extensions extending along both lateral sides of the component. A lateral axis may be perpendicular to the depth direction. 
     In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the component connection and electrical connection may be located within the depth extension. 
     In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the cage may leave an edge of the component opposite from the depth extension exposed. 
     In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the lateral extensions may extend beyond an end of the component opposite from the depth extension. 
     In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the assembly may comprise at least one filler block having a longitudinal thickness greater than longitudinal thicknesses of the lateral extensions. A longitudinal direction may be perpendicular to the depth direction and a lateral axis. 
     In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the at least one filler block may be part of the depth extension. 
     In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the cage may leave longitudinal-facing sides of the component uncovered. 
     In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the cage may seal the computer hardware component such that the computer hardware component is capable of operating while immersed in liquid at a greater depth when retained in the socket than when the component is separated from the cage. 
     In another aspect, a method may comprise determining internal dimensions of a space for which computer hardware components of varying sizes are to be adapted. The method may also comprise determining at least two perpendicular dimensions of each component. The method may also comprise designing a cage for each component with reference to the dimensions of the space and the dimensions of the component having a socket within which the respective component may be retained in a fixed position to form an assembly of the cage and the component having a lateral width, the lateral width of each assembly of a cage and a respective component being equal. The method may also comprise fabricating the cages and assembling the cages to their respective components to form the assemblies. 
     In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the method may comprise constructing each cage to have a cage power intake at a same lateral location relative to the respective assembly as a whole and a component connection that is located to engage a power intake of the component when the component is retained in the fixed position, the cage power intake being electrically connected to the component connection in a manner enabling conveyance of power to the component through the cage power intake. 
     In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the method may comprise constructing the cages such that a distance in a depth direction between the power intake and a data connection point of the component for which the cage is designed when the component is retained in the intended position is equal for each assembly is equal for each assembly of one of the cages with the respective one of the components. The depth direction may be perpendicular to the lateral axis. 
     In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the method may comprise constructing each of the multiple cages to have an equal thickness at a thickest point of the cage, wherein a thickness direction is perpendicular to the lateral axis and a depth direction. 
     In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the method may comprise constructing each cage to have extensions that extend away from the power intake and beyond the data connection point when the component is retained in the intended position. 
     In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the method may comprise constructing each cage to have a depth extension extending in the depth direction beyond an edge of the component when the component is retained in the fixed position and containing the power intake and the component connection. 
     In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the method may comprise constructing the depth extension to include blocks on either side of the power intake, the blocks being the thickest part of the assembly in a longitudinal direction that is perpendicular to the lateral axis and the depth direction. 
     In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the method may comprise constructing filler blocks that are removably attachable to the cage and which extend in a longitudinal direction from the cage when attached to the cage, wherein the longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the lateral and the depth direction. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1 A  is a front elevation view of a cage and component assembly 
         FIG.  1 B  is a front elevation view of another cage and component assembly. 
         FIG.  1 C  is a front elevation view of the assembly of  FIG.  1 A  received in a tank. 
         FIG.  2 A  is a front elevation view of a cage of the assembly of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  2 B  is a front elevation view of a cage of the assembly of  FIG.  1 B . 
         FIG.  3    is a side elevation cross-section of an immersion cooling system for use with cage and component assemblies. 
         FIG.  4    is a side elevation cross-section of another immersion cooling system for use with cage and component assemblies. 
         FIG.  5    is a flowchart of a process for normalizing computer hardware components of various sizes. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG.  1 A  illustrates a first assembly  110   a  including a hardware component  114   a  and a cage  118   a  that may be dropped into an evaporable liquid in an immersion cooling system. Component  114   a  may be any hardware device that can generate heat and benefit from immersion cooling, such as, for example, information technology equipment, computer hardware, or other electronic hardware. Cage  118   a  is designed and constructed to retain component  110   a  in a predetermined location and orientation relative to cage  118   a  as shown in  FIG.  1 A . Thus, first assembly  110   a  is the combination of component  114   a  and cage  118   a  with component  114   a  retained by cage  118   a  in the predetermined location and orientation relative to cage  118   a . Cage  118   a  may be made of any material or combination of materials that is strong enough to hold and carry component  114   a  and compatible with the evaporable liquid used in the system for which first assembly  110   a  is intended. Some suitable examples include metals, such as, for example, aluminum or steel, rigid plastics, and certain ceramics. 
     Within first assembly  110   a , cage  118   a  extends beyond component  114   a  in multiple dimensions. A base portion or depth extension  122   a  is a portion of cage  118   a  that extends beyond component  114   a  in a direction that is downward relative to an orientation in which first assembly  110   a  is intended to be immersed in a tank of evaporable liquid in an immersion cooling system. Depth extension  122   a  therefore extends down toward a bottom of the tank from a lower edge of component  114   a  when first assembly  110   a  is immersed in the tank in first assembly’s  110   a  intended orientation. Upward relative to the intended orientation for immersion of first assembly  110   a  therefore corresponds to shallower locations within the liquid, while downward corresponds to deeper locations within the liquid. 
     Elongate portions or lateral extensions  126   a  are portions of cage  118   a  that extend laterally beyond either lateral side of component  114   a , with the lateral axis being normal to the upward-downward or depth axis defined relative to first assembly  110   a . In the illustrated example, lateral extensions  126   a  overlap with depth extension  122   a  and extend upward from depth extension  122   a  along the lateral edges of component  114   a . In other examples lateral extensions  126   a  may be separate pieces from depth extension  122   a  or may be connected to depth extension  122   a  by structures that do not extend both laterally and below component  114   a . The illustrated example of cage  118   a  extends laterally beyond component  114   a  in both directions in the illustrated example such that cage  118   a  includes two lateral extensions  126   a , but in other examples cage  118   a  may include only one lateral extension. Regardless of whether cage  118   a  has one lateral extension  126   a  or two, a distance between two opposite lateral-most points first assembly  110   a  as provided by the combination of component  114   a  and cage  118   a  defines a first lateral width  124   a . 
     Depth extensions  126   a  each include a guide  130   a  and a lift point  134   a . Guides  130   a  are laterally extending flanges for engagement with complementary track structures in a tank into which first assembly  110   a  may be immersed. Guides  130   a  may extend beyond other portions of lateral extensions  126   a  as shown to provide the lateral-most edges of their respective lateral extensions  126   a . Lift points  134   a  extend above an upper edge of component  114   a  within first assembly  110   a , meaning an upper edge of component  114   a  when component  114   a  is retained in the predetermined location and orientation in cage  118   a . Lift points  134   a  may be any feature that can be grasped or engaged and pulled to lift first assembly  110   a  upward. Some examples of structures that may provide lift points  134   a  include flanges or tabs, which may have holes extending through them as shown in the illustrated example, hooks, or eye bolts. Though both lateral extensions  126   a  include guides  130   a  and lift points  134   a  in the illustrated example, other arrangements of cage  118   a  omit either or both of guides  130   a  and lift points  134   a  from either or both lateral extensions  126   a . 
     Cage  118   a  also includes a power adaptor for component  114   a . Cage’s  118   a  power adaptor includes a component connection  138   a , a cage power intake  146   a , and one or more wires  142   a  electrically connecting component connection  138   a  to cage power intake  146   a . Component connection  138   a  is located within cage  118   a  to engage a power intake feature of component  114   a  when component  114   a  is retained by cage  118   a  in the predetermined location and orientation to form first assembly  110   a . The electrical connection provided by wire  142   a  is such that engagement of cage power intake  146   a  to a power source suitable for component  114   a  when component  114   a  and cage  118   a  are combined as first assembly  110   a  will power component  138   a  as if component’s  138   a  power intake feature was itself engaged directly with the power source. Component  138   a  may therefore be powered by positioning first assembly  110   a  to engage cage power intake  146   a  to any power source that component’s  114   a  own power intake feature is designed to connect to. The power adaptor overall, or at least component connection  138   a  and cage power intake  146   a , may be included in a common extension of cage  118   a , such as in the illustrated example wherein component connection  138   a , wire  142   a , and cage power intake  146   a  are all part of depth extension  122   a  because component’s  114   a  power intake feature is located at a bottom end of component  114   a . However, in other arrangements, depending on the location of component’s  114   a  power intake feature and the direction in which first assembly  118   a  is intended to engage a power source, component connection  138   a  and cage power intake  146   a  may be part of different extensions of cage  118   a . 
     Component  114   a  has a data connector  154   a  for electronic connection to other systems, such as the internet, computer networks, building management systems, or other information technology systems. Data cable  158   a  may be connected to data connector  154   a  to establish the electronic communication between component  114   a  and the other systems. A power-to-data height  120   a  of first assembly  110   a  is a vertical distance from first assembly’s  110   a  bottom edge to the upper end of data connector  154   a . First power-to-data height  120   a  in the illustrated example equals the vertical distance between the upper end of data connector  154   a  and the lower end of cage power intake  146   a , though these distances may differ in other arrangements. 
     First assembly  110   a  may optionally include removable filler blocks  162   a . Filler blocks  162   a  are attachable to a longitudinal face of cage  118   a  to increase a longitudinal thickness of assembly  110   a , where the longitudinal axis is perpendicular to both the lateral axis and the up-down or depth axis. Filler blocks  162   a  act to occupy volume in the tank of the immersion cooling system for which first assembly  110   a  is intended. By occupying volume in the tank, filler blocks  162   a  decrease the total amount of liquid needed to fill the tank to an intended fill level. Filler blocks  162   a  may therefore reduce the inefficiencies associated with immersion cooling of relatively small components  114   a , which may take up so little space in the tank that more liquid is needed to fill the tank than for effective cooling. Because filler blocks  162   a  are removable, filler blocks  162   a  of different sizes can be chosen and attached to cage  118   a  as necessary to optimize flow around component  114   a  and the amount of liquid displaced by first assembly  110   a . Cage  118   a  may include longitudinal extensions, meaning portions that extend longitudinally beyond component  114   a  when component  114   a  and cage  118   a  are combined as first assembly  110   a , other than removable filler blocks  162   a , but such other longitudinal extensions are not shown in the illustrated example. 
     Construction of cage  118   a  to give assembly  110   a  an overall shape and size convenient for placement in a given immersion cooling tank reduces the need to consider the dimensions of the tank when designing component  114   a  itself. Use of cages such as cage  118   a  therefore decouples component design from tank dimensions. 
     Component  114   a  may be a type of hardware that is already configured for immersion cooling or a type of hardware that is typically cooled by air convection or with a cold plate. Where component  114   a  is a component that is typically air cooled, cage  118   a  may be configured to seal or otherwise waterproof component  114   a  when cage  118   a  and component  114   a  are combined as assembly  110   a . Such sealing or waterproofing may encompass the entirety of component  114   a  such that component  114   a  can operate when entirely submerged in dielectric fluid or other liquid coolant. In other examples, sealing or waterproofing may exclude a top part of component  114   a  that includes data connector  154   a  so that component  114   a  may operate when assembly  110   a  is immersed in dielectric fluid or other liquid coolant as long as data connector  154   a  remains exposed above the liquid or is sealed by another element, such as a plug of data cable  158   a . 
       FIG.  1 B  shows second assembly  110   b , which is the same as first assembly  110   a  with respect to all above described details of and possible variations on first assembly  110   a . Elements of second assembly  110   b  match like numbered elements of first assembly  110   a . As such, second assembly  110   b  includes a cage  118   b  that retains a component  114   b  in an intended location and orientation in the same manner that cage  118   a  retains component  114   a . Much like cage  118   a , cage  118   b  also includes a depth extension  122   b  extending below component  114   b  and lateral extensions  126   b  extending upward from depth extension  122   b  along both lateral edges of component  114   b , and depth extension  122   b  and lateral extensions  126   b  are generally similar to depth extension  122   a  and lateral extensions  126   a , respectively. Guides  130   b  provide lateral-most edges of lateral extensions  126   b  and lift points  134   b  provide upper ends of lateral extensions  126   b . Cage  118   b  includes a power adaptor provided by a cage power intake  146   b  that is electrically connected to a component connection  138   b  by a wire  142   b , and component connection  138   b  is operatively engaged with a power intake feature of component  114   b  when component  114   b  and cage  118   b  are combined as second assembly. Component  114   b  includes a data connector  154   b  for electronically connecting component  154   b  to other systems. Removable filler blocks  162   b  are attachable to cage  118   b  to reduce the volume of liquid needed to fill a tank in which second assembly  114   b  is received. A second lateral width  124   b  is a distance between opposite lateral-most edges of second assembly  114   b , and a second power-to-data height  120   b  is a vertical distance between an upper end of data connector  154   b  and a bottom edge of second assembly  114   b . Second power-to-data height  120   b  also equals a vertical distance between the upper end of data connector  154   b  and a lower end of cage power intake  146   b . 
     As  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  show, second assembly  114   b  differs from first assembly  114   a  in that component  114   b  has different height and lateral width dimensions than component  114   a , and cage  118   d  differs in construction from cage  118   a  to accommodate the dimensions of component  114   b . However, first lateral width  124   a  is equal to second lateral width  124   b , and first power-to-data height  120   a  is equal to second power-to-data height  120   b . Moreover, the lateral position of second assembly’s  114   b  cage power intake  146   b  along second lateral width  124   b  is the same as the lateral position of first assembly’s  114   a  cage power intake  146   a  along first lateral width  124   a  despite the differing lateral locations of component connections  138   a ,  138   b  along their respective components  114   a ,  114   b . Because of the matching power-to-data heights  120   a ,  120   b , lateral widths  124   a ,  124   b , and lateral locations of cage power intakes  146   a ,  146   b , first assembly  110   a  and second assembly  110   b  have very similar form-factors and can both generally be connected to other devices and handled in the same manner as one another despite the differences in shape and size between components  114   a ,  114   b . Application of cages  118   a ,  118   b  to components  114   a ,  114   b  therefore imposes uniformity on components  114   a ,  114   b . Similar cages can be applied to any number of hardware components of varying shape and size to give all such various components equal lateral widths and power-to-data heights along with uniform placement of the cage power intakes relative to the components’ data connections. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1 C , such uniformity in form factor across assemblies  110   a ,  110   b  for differing components  114   a ,  114   b  can have utility in immersion cooling systems. A tank  111  of  FIG.  1 C  has laterally opposed internal sidewalls  112  spaced apart by a distance equal, or slightly larger than, first lateral width  124   a . First assembly  110   a , when oriented such that its lateral direction is aligned with the lateral direction between sidewalls  112 , can be guided predictably into place by the close fit of lateral extensions  126   a  between sidewalls  112 . The close and predictable fit of first assembly  110   a  into tank  111  reliably aligns cage power intake  146   a  with a bus bar  186  running along a bottom of tank  111  to power component  114   a  and support first assembly  110   a . Liquid may be filled into tank  111  up to just below data connector  154   a  to place most of component  114   a  in contact with the liquid while leaving data connector  154   a  above the level of the liquid for ease of access. With liquid just below data connector  154   a , lift points  134   a  extend even further above the liquid for easy connection and lifting. 
     Because first and second lateral widths  124   a ,  124   b  are equal to each other, second assembly  110   b  could be aligned and dropped between sidewalls  112  just as easily as first assembly  110   a . Because second assembly’s  110   b  cage power intake  146   b  has the same lateral location relative to second assembly  110   b  as a whole as first assembly’s  110   a  cage power intake has relative to first assembly  110   a  as a whole, second assembly’s  110   b  cage power intake  146   b  would also align to and engage bus bar  186 . Because first and second power-to-data heights  120   a ,  120   b  are equal to each other, the optimum liquid level in tank  111  for submerging most of first assembly’s  110   a  component  114   a  while leaving data connector  154   a  above the liquid level would also submerge most of second assembly’s  110   b  component  114   b  while leaving data connector  154   b  above the liquid level. Second assembly’s  110   b  lift points  134   b   will also extend above data connector  154   b  and the liquid level. This same ease and uniformity of alignment can be achieved for as many hardware components may be fitted with similar cages. 
       FIG.  2 A  illustrates cage  118   a  alone. A socket  166   a  for receiving component  114   a  is a space defined laterally between lateral extensions  126   a  and vertically above depth extension  122   a . Cage  118   a  also includes filler connectors  170   b  at which filler blocks  162   a  may be connected. Two filler connectors  170   a  are shown, but in other examples, cage  118   a  may have no filler connectors  170   a , one filler connector  170   a , or any plural number of filler connectors  170   a . Filler connectors  170   a ,  170   b  may be, for example, snap fit connections, hook and loop connections, magnets, buckles, straps, or any other feature by which filler block  162   a ,  162   b  could be connected to a corresponding cage  118   a ,  118   b . 
     As shown in  FIG.  2 B , cage  118   b  similarly has filler connectors  170   b , which may exist in any quantity. Cage  118   b  also defines a socket  166   b  laterally between lateral extensions  126   b  and vertically above depth extension  122   b  for receiving component  114   b . Socket  166   b  has different dimensions from socket  166   a  in the same way that component  114   b  has different dimensions from component  114   a . 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a two phase immersion cooling system  200  in which a first assembly  210   a , second assembly  210   b , and third assembly  210   c  are immersed in evaporable liquid  278  in a tank or enclosure  200 . Three assemblies  210   a ,  210   b ,  210   c  are shown by way of example, but one, two, four, or more such assemblies having hardware components of varying sizes could be used in system  200 . Examples of suitable evaporable liquids  278  include any of several commercially available dielectric fluids engineered specifically for immersion cooling of computer hardware, though water may be used in some applications if electrical conductivity of the evaporable fluid is not a concern. 
     Assemblies  210   a ,  210   b ,  210   c  are generally alike to first assembly  110   a  and second assembly  110   b  with respect to all above described details of and possible variations on assemblies  110   a ,  110   b . Elements of assemblies  210   a ,  210   b , and  210   c  are generally alike to like numbered elements of assemblies  110   a ,  110   b . As such, each assembly  210   a ,  210   b ,  210   c  includes a respective heat generating component  214   a ,  214   b ,  214   c , cage  218   a ,  218   b ,  218   c , lift point  234   a ,  234   b ,  234   c , cage power intake  246   a ,  246   b ,  246   c , and removable filler block  262   a ,  262   b ,  262   c . 
     Assemblies  210   a ,  210   b ,  210   c  and liquid  278  are beneath a condenser  282 . Condenser  282  may be a heat exchanger operating on a refrigerant cycle or supplied with an external source of coolant for cooling exposed elements upon which vapor in enclosure  274  may collect before dripping back into liquid  278  at the bottom of enclosure  274 . Assemblies  210   a ,  210   b ,  210   c  are each supported upon a bus bar  286  running longitudinally along a bottom of enclosure  274 . Each cage power intake  246   a ,  246   b ,  246   c  is engaged with bus bar  286  to receive power therefrom. As assemblies  210   a ,  210   b ,  210   c  run on power from bus bar  286 , assemblies  210   a ,  210   b ,  210   c  generate heat that is dissipated into liquid  278 . The heat causes liquid  278  to evaporate and rise into contact with condenser  282  before condensing and falling again. 
     Because, as shown, each assembly  210   a ,  210   b ,  210   c  has an equal height from the bottom of cage power intake  246   a ,  246   b ,  246   c  to an upper edge of component  214   a ,  214   b ,  214   c , an upper edge of each component  214   a ,  214   b ,  214   c  is at or slightly above the level of liquid  278 . As such, data connections at the top of each component  214   a ,  214   b ,  214   c  are above the level of liquid  278  and available for easy access for connection and disconnection of data cables  258  that extend from an access point  290  for other systems, such as the internet, building management, computer networks, or other information technology networks. Lift points  234   a ,  234   b ,  234   c  extend above data connectors  234   a ,  234   b ,  234   c  and even further above the level of liquid  278  for ease of access. 
     Like tank  111 , enclosure  274  has laterally opposed internal sidewalls spaced apart from a distance equal to, or only slightly exceeding, the mutually equal lateral widths of assemblies  210   a ,  210   b ,  210   c . The perspective of  FIG.  3    is along the lateral direction, so only one internal sidewall having vertically extending tracks  294  is visible in  FIG.  3   . The other, not-illustrated sidewall may also have tracks matching and opposing visible tracks  294 . Tracks  294  are complementary to guides on either lateral side of assemblies  210   a ,  210   b ,  210   c  that are generally alike to guides  130   a ,  130   b  of assemblies  110   a ,  110   b  discussed above. Thus, in addition to aligning assemblies  210   a ,  210   b ,  210   c  laterally with a close lateral fit, enclosure  274  also aligns assemblies  210   a ,  210   b ,  210   c  longitudinally by cooperation with each assembly’s  210   a ,  210   b ,  210   c  guides with an opposed pair of sidewall tracks  294 . Tracks  294  behind cages  218   a ,  218   b ,  218   c  are therefore hidden from view in  FIG.  3   . 
     The opposed pairs of tracks  294  are spaced apart by uniform longitudinal units  292 . Assemblies  210   a ,  210   b ,  210   c  may therefore be reliably spaced apart by cooperation of the guides with tracks  294 . Unusually large components, such as component  214   c , may be granted two or more such longitudinal units  292  instead of one. Because the opposed pairs of tracks  294  are evenly spaced apart, assemblies  210   a ,  210   b ,  210   c  can be distributed in an orderly manner along enclosure  274  despite variations in size between components  214   a ,  214   b ,  214   c . The length of enclosure  274 , number of longitudinal units  292  within enclosure  274 , number of tracks  294 , and number of assemblies  210   a ,  210   b ,  210   c  shown in  FIG.  2    are all merely examples, any one or any combination of which may be varied to suit a given application. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a two phase immersion cooling system  300  that is generally similar to system  200  except for specifically described or illustrated differences. Features of system  300  are generally alike to like numbered features of system  200  unless otherwise noted. As such, assemblies  310   a ,  310   b ,  310   c  are generally alike to assemblies  110   a ,  110   b ,  210   a ,  210   b ,  210   c  with respect to all above described details of and possible variations on assemblies  110   a ,  110   b ,  210   a ,  210   b ,  210   c . Each assembly  310   a ,  310   b ,  310   c  includes a respective heat generating component  314   a ,  314   b ,  314   c , cage  318   a ,  318   b ,  318   c , lift point  334   a ,  334   b ,  334   c , cage power intake  346   a ,  346   b ,  346   c , and removable filler block  362   a ,  362   b ,  362   c . Three assemblies  310   a ,  310   b ,  310   c  are shown by way of example, but one, two, four, or more such assemblies having hardware components of varying sizes could be used in system  300 . Assemblies  310   a ,  310   b ,  310   c  are mostly submerged in liquid  378  and supported and powered by a bus bar  386  that runs longitudinally along a bottom of enclosure  374  under the surface of evaporable liquid  378 . A condenser  382  above liquid  378  condenses vapors in enclosure  374  back to liquid that drips into liquid  378  at the bottom of enclosure  374 . Each component  314   a ,  314   b ,  314   c  is electronically connected by a data cable  358  to an access point  390 . The length of enclosure  374 , number of longitudinal units  392  within enclosure  374 , and number of assemblies  310   a ,  310   b ,  310   c  shown in  FIG.  3    are all merely examples, any one or any combination of which may be varied to suit a given application. 
     System  300  differs from system  200  by the absence of tracks  294 . Instead, each assembly  310   a ,  310   b ,  310   c  has a longitudinal thickness divisible into longitudinal units  392  achieved by varying the longitudinal dimensions of filler blocks  362   a ,  362   b ,  362   c  and cages  318   a ,  318   b ,  318   c  to be complementary to the differing thicknesses of components  314   a ,  314   b ,  314   c . Assemblies  310   a ,  310   b  differ in shape and proportion from one another, but both have an equal longitudinal thickness of one longitudinal unit  392 . Component  314   c  has a thickness exceeding one longitudinal unit  392 , so filler block  362   c  is sized to bring a total longitudinal thickness of assembly  310   c  to exactly two longitudinal units  392 . Assemblies can therefore be predictably spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction, despite the absence of tracks  294 , by placing each assembly  310   a ,  310   b ,  310   c  into longitudinal abutment with its neighbors as shown. In the illustrated example, assemblies  310   a ,  310   b ,  310   c  are placed such that the filler blocks  362   b ,  362   c  abut cages  318   a ,  318   b , respectively, but the portion of any assembly  310   a ,  310   b ,  310   c  that would abut its neighbor can vary depending on the shape and design of assemblies  310   a ,  310   b ,  310   c  according to arrangements other than the illustrated example. 
     As demonstrated in the foregoing examples, cages and assemblies according to the arrangements illustrated in  FIG.  1 A -4 and described above can create uniform net shapes for electronic components of varying shapes and sizes. As such, after a variety of electronic components of differing shapes and sizes have been caged and thereby converted to assemblies according to the foregoing examples, those varying components can be handled in a similar manner to one another. Moreover, where the cages match the lateral dimensions of an immersion cooling tank, the varying components can each be quickly and simply dropped into the tank while the cages interact with the interior of the tank to align the components properly. The presence of the cages and the filler blocks in the tank will also reduce the amount of liquid needed to fill the tank when the components are in the tank. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a process  1000  for normalizing computer hardware components  114   a ,  114   b ,  214   a ,  214   b ,  214   c ,  314   a ,  314   b ,  314   c  of varying proportions, shapes, and sizes for use with a given immersion cooling tank. For the purposes of describing process, any components  114   a ,  114   b ,  214   a ,  214   b ,  214   c  will be referred to as component  114 , any cages  118   a ,  118   b ,  218   a ,  218   b ,  218   c ,  318   a ,  314   b ,  314   c  will be referred to as cage  118 , and so on for other numbered and lettered elements. 
     A tank assessment  1010  includes determining the dimensions and features of an immersion cooling tank for which components  114  are to be normalized. A lateral dimension of an interior of the tank is found for use as a basis for the lateral width  124  of assemblies  110  to be immersed in the tank. A depth of the tank may be found for use as a basis for a power-to-data height  120  of assemblies  110 , and a longitudinal length of the tank may be found for use as a basis for a thickness of assemblies  110  and for determining a number of assemblies  110  that may be concurrently immersed in the tank. Determining the features of the tank may include determining whether the tank includes tracks  294 . Determining the features of the tank may also include locating a bus bar  286  within the tank and determining the size of bus bar  286  for use as a basis for lateral placement of cage power intakes  146  and for use as an additional factor in determining the power-to-data height  120  of assemblies  110 . 
     Tank assessment  1010  may be conducted on any actual tank or on a hypothetical tank. Thus, designs for cages  114  created at later steps can normalize components  114  for use with a particular tank that already exists or for a tank that has not yet been constructed. Cages  118  and tanks can therefore be designed together. In other examples, tank assessment step  1010  can simply be creation of dimensional targets to which cages  118  and assemblies  110  are to conform without reference to any actual or hypothetical tank designs. 
     Component assessment  1020  includes determining the relevant dimensions and features of a component  114  to be normalized. Component assessment  1020  may be performed several times for each tank assessment  1010  according to a number of types of components  114  to be normalized. Relevant dimensions can include component’s  114  width, height, and thickness. Relevant features found during component assessment  1020  can include the location of component’s  114  power intake, the placement of data connector  154  relative to component’s  114  power intake, and whether or not component  114  is capable on its own of operating while immersed in dielectric fluid or another intended liquid coolant. 
     Design  1030  includes designing a cage  118  according to the information found in tank assessment step  1010  and component assessment step  1020 . Design  1030  can be performed after each execution of component assessment step  1020 , so, like component assessment step  1020 , design  1030  can be performed several times for a single occurrence of tank assessment step  1010 . In design  1030 , a width of lateral extensions  126  is derived from a difference between the width of the component  114  and the internal lateral width of the tank, and a height of depth extension  122  may be derived from a difference between the intended fill-depth of the tank and the sum of power-to-data height  120  and the height of bus bar  286 . Socket  166  is given a shape and size for securely retaining component  114  in an intended position. Cage power intake  146  is placed to match the lateral location of bus bar  286  within the tank and component connection  138  is placed relative to socket  166  to match the location of component’s  114  power intake. Guides  130  may be added to lateral extensions  126  if the tank has tracks  294  and guides  130  may be omitted if the tank does not have tracks  294 . 
     Fabrication  1040  includes creation of cage  118 . Fabrication step  1040  is performed for each individual component  114  to be converted to an assembly  110 . Fabrication  1040  may therefore be performed several times for each occurrence of component assessment  1020  and design  1030 . Cage  118  can be created manually or by an automated manufacturing process. Fabrication  1040  may optionally also include either the placement of component  114  into cage’s  118  socket  166  to form assembly  110  or construction of cage  118  around component  114  to form assembly  110 . 
     Because every design  1030  performed with the results of a common tank assessment  1010  includes designing a respective cage  118  that adapts a respective component  114  to a common set of parameters derived from tank assessment step  1010 , assemblies  110  resulting from fabricating  1040  will all have certain common dimensions and features, such as a common lateral width  124  and a common lateral location of cage power intake  146  along lateral width  124 . Assemblies  110  may also have common heights and thicknesses. Because components  114  may differ from one another in any aspect that assemblies  110  share in common, process  1000  normalizes components  114  of various shapes and sizes with regard to whatever features are common among assemblies  110 . For example, if multiple components  114  have differing widths while each assembly  110  has an equal longitudinal width  120 , process  1000  has normalized components  114  with respect to lateral width  120 . 
     Multiple variations from the illustrated example of process  1000  are possible. For example, though component assessment step  1020  is shown after cage assessment  1010 , component assessment  1020  can be performed before or during cage assessment  1010 . Instead of or in addition to the illustrated example of performing tank assessment  1010  first, a tank can be designed to accept to cage designs created in designing  1030 . 
     Although the concept herein has been described with reference to particular examples, it is to be understood that these examples are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present concept. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative examples and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present concept as defined by the appended claims.