Patent Description:
With the current data centers' air-conditioning systems and techniques and significant improvements in IT components operating conditions and processing capacity, servers can roughly operate at <NUM>% of their capacity. This capacity limitation is due, in part, to the cooling systems not being able to cool the servers efficiently and the servers reach their high temperature limit before reaching their maximum capacity. High density data center cooling seeks to cool servers more effectively and increase the density of the data centers. Consequently, this will result in savings in data center operating cost and will increase the data center overall capacity.

The high density data center cooling can be achieved by using liquid cooling technologies to reject the heat at the server. Data center liquid cooling affects the data center energy consumption in two ways: (<NUM>) utilizing maximum server processing capacity and data center processing density which will result in lower cooling power consumption per kW of processing power in the data center, and (<NUM>) generally liquid-cooling systems are more energy efficient than data centers air-cooling systems. The liquid cooling technology can capture up to <NUM>% of the heat at the server which can eliminate the need for data centers air-cooling systems. The data center liquid cooling can save up to <NUM>% in data centers cooling costs and up to <NUM>% in data centers operating costs. Also, data center liquid cooling can increase the servers processing density by up to <NUM>% which can result in significant savings in the data center white space.

High density cooling for data centers can include liquid cooling techniques which can use a special coolant and liquid circuit. The coolants can be expensive and as such, replacement of the coolant can also be expensive. The coolant can pick up the heat from the server and the heat can then be rejected to another liquid loop or cooling air stream. A cooling tower or outdoor dry cooler can be used to reject the heat from the coolant, but these may not be efficient. The water quality in cooling towers which should flow into a liquid circuit to pick up the heat from the coolant should be maintained at a certain level and could become a problem. The accumulation of dissolved minerals in the circulating cooling water can lead to deposits and scaling on the exchange surfaces which reduces performance. Corrosion of metal components and piping in cooling towers can be a common concern.

<CIT> discloses an evaporative cooling system, which includes an evaporative cooler liquid-to-air membrane energy exchanger (LAMEE), a first liquid-to-air heat exchanger (LAHE), and a cooling fluid circuit. The evaporative cooler LAMEE is disposed within a scavenger air plenum that is configured to channel a scavenger air stream. The first LAHE is disposed within a process air plenum that is configured to channel a process air stream. The cooling fluid circuit is configured to circulate an evaporative cooling fluid between the evaporative cooler LAMEE and the first LAHE. The evaporative cooler LAMEE is configured to utilize the scavenger air stream to evaporatively cool the cooling fluid. The first LAHE is configured to receive the cooling fluid from the evaporative cooler LAMEE and to allow the cooling fluid to absorb heat from the process air stream to cool the process air stream.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a conditioning system as recited by claim <NUM>.

The present inventors recognize, among other things, an opportunity for improved performance in cooling an enclosed space, or a device, using a Liquid-to-Air Membrane Energy Exchanger (LAMEE) as an evaporative cooler and using the reduced-temperature water from the LAMEE to provide liquid cooling to the enclosed space or the device. In an example, the enclosed space can be a data center.

The present disclosure relates to a liquid-cooling system which can reduce the data center cooling energy consumption by up to <NUM>% compared to conventional air cooling data centers techniques. The liquid cooling system can be significantly smaller in size and lighter compared to other direct evaporative coolers (DEC), including air-cooling DECs. The liquid-cooling system as described herein can reduce the water consumption in comparison with other evaporative cooling systems and can reduce the operating cost of the data center by up to <NUM>%.

Data centers liquid cooling can be much more efficient than data centers air cooling since a typical liquid, such as water, at the same volume flow rate as air, has almost <NUM> times higher thermal capacity than the air. As such, the required water flow rate to reject a certain amount of heat from an IT component can be almost <NUM> times lower than the required air flow rate. Liquid (mainly water) can be cooled in a liquid to air membrane energy exchanger (LAMEE), also referred to herein as an exchanger. The LAMEE or exchanger can cool both outdoor (scavenger) air and liquid water, under some scavenger air conditions, to the outdoor air wet-bulb temperature. The reduced temperature water output from the LAMEE can be supplied to an enclosed space, such as, for example, a data center having IT components. The reduced temperature water can be stored in a tank prior to providing liquid cooling.

Examples disclosed herein can include using a LAMEE in evaporative cooling and data centers liquid cooling applications, using water in a membrane exchanger for evaporative cooling and data centers cooling, and using a liquid pre-cooler downstream of an evaporative LAMEE to increase the system efficiency and operate the system on economizer mode. Various system configurations can be used and can include, but are not limited to, a liquid cooling coil upstream or downstream of the LAMEE for high efficiency cooling applications. Examples according to the present application can include integrating the LAMEE with current liquid cooling technologies available in the market such as liquid cooling immersing technology and using cold plates at the server to reject heat.

Examples disclosed herein can include integration of a liquid cooling coil downstream of the LAMEE which can cool the hot water before entering the LAMEE and can boost the system performance. Also, the liquid cooling coil can work as an economizer for the cooling system. Whenever the outdoor air is cold enough to cool the water to the set point temperature, water can bypass the exchanger and only pass though the cooling coil. The economizer mode can expand the life of the LAMEE and can save water since no water evaporates in the system on economizer mode.

Examples disclosed herein can include a conditioning system for controlling conditions in an enclosed space. The conditioning system can include a cooling system disposed outside of the enclosed space and having a scavenger air plenum configured to direct scavenger air in a flow path from an air inlet to an air outlet. A LAMEE can be arranged inside the plenum and can comprise a cooling fluid flow path separate from an air flow path by a membrane. The LAMEE can be configured to use the scavenger air to evaporatively cool a cooling fluid in the cooling fluid flow path and lower a temperature of the cooling fluid in the LAMEE. The conditioning system can include a cooling fluid circuit connected to the cooling fluid flow path of the LAMEE and extending from the plenum into the enclosed space. The cooling fluid circuit can be used to deliver reduced temperature water from the LAMEE or a reduced temperature coolant to the enclosed space to provide cooling to the enclosed space without moving air from the enclosed space through the cooling system.

Examples disclosed herein can include a conditioning system for controlling conditions in an enclosed space having a first cooling system disposed outside of the enclosed space and a second cooling system disposed inside the enclosed space. The first cooling system can include a scavenger air plenum configured to direct scavenger air in an air flow path from an air inlet to an air outlet and a LAMEE arranged inside the plenum. The LAMEE can include a water flow path separated from the air flow path by a membrane. The LAMEE can be configured to use the scavenger air to reduce a temperature of water in the water flow path. The conditioning system can include a cooling fluid circuit connected to the water flow path of the LAMEE and to the second cooling system. The cooling fluid circuit can provide cooling to the enclosed space without moving air from the enclosed space through the first cooling system. The second cooling system can include direct cooling, using water or a coolant in the cooling fluid circuit, to one or more components in the enclosed space. The one or more components can include, but are not limited to, electrical components. The second cooling system can include sensible cooling of air in the enclosed space using water or a coolant in the cooling fluid circuit.

Examples disclosed herein can include a conditioning system for controlling conditions in an enclosed space having a cooling system disposed outside of the enclosed space. The cooling system can comprise a scavenger air plenum configured to direct scavenger air in an air flow path from an air inlet to an air outlet and a LAMEE arranged inside the plenum in the air flow path. The LAMEE can comprise a cooling fluid flow path separated from the air flow path by a membrane. The LAMEE can be configured to use the scavenger air to evaporatively cool a cooling fluid in the cooling fluid flow path such that a temperature of the cooling fluid at a fluid outlet of the LAMEE is lower than a temperature of the cooling fluid at a fluid inlet of the LAMEE. The cooling system can further comprise a first cooling unit arranged inside the plenum between the air inlet and the LAMEE and configured to condition the scavenger air prior to the scavenger air entering the LAMEE. The cooling system can further comprise a second cooling unit arranged inside the plenum between the LAMEE and the air outlet and configured to reduce a temperature of the cooling fluid before the cooling fluid enters the LAMEE at the fluid inlet. The cooling system can further comprise one or more bypass dampers configured to permit scavenger air to enter or exit the air flow path at one or more locations between the air inlet and outlet. A cooling fluid circuit of the conditioning system can be connected to the cooling fluid flow path of the LAMEE and extend from the plenum into the enclosed space. The cooling fluid circuit can provide cooling to the enclosed space without moving air from the enclosed space through the cooling system.

Examples disclosed herein can include a conditioning system for providing cooling to a device that can be located either in an enclosed space or at a location open to the atmosphere. The conditioning system can include the device to be cooled, in combination with a cooling system that is separate from and remote to the device to be cooled. The cooling system can include a LAMEE for providing reduced-temperature water, and the reduced temperature water, or a coolant cooled by the reduced-temperature water, can be delivered to the device. The reduced temperature water or coolant can be used to provide cooling to the device and the water or coolant can be recirculated back to the cooling system. The device can be any type of equipment or component that generates heat or uses a liquid to reject heat.

This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. The detailed description is included to provide further information about the present invention.

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for controlling conditions inside an enclosed space, or providing cooling to a device, using a Liquid-to-Air Membrane Energy Exchanger (LAMEE) as an evaporative cooler for liquid-cooling. The LAMEE or exchanger can cool water or both outdoor (scavenger) air and water to the outdoor air wet bulb temperature, depending in part on the air conditions. The reduced temperature water from the exchanger can provide cooling to the enclosed space or to the device. In an example, a cooling coil can be included after the exchanger to cool the hot return water from the enclosed space or the device, before the water is recycled to the exchanger. The cooling coil can use the cold scavenger air exhausting from the exchanger to cool the return water. The cooling coil can boost the performance of the system and can provide an economizer operating mode. In winter when the outdoor air is cold, the scavenger air can bypass the exchanger and pass directly through the cooling coil. The economizer mode can bring more energy and water savings to the liquid-cooling system. In an example, a cooling coil can be included before the exchanger to cool the scavenger air prior to passing the scavenger air through the exchanger. The reduced temperature water from the exchanger can be delivered to the enclosed space or the device to provide direct cooling to the enclosed space or the device. Alternatively, the reduced temperature water can provide cooling to a coolant in a liquid to liquid heat exchanger (LLHX) and the reduced temperature coolant can be delivered to the enclosed space or the device.

As described herein, a dry coil or cooling coil can be used upstream of the LAMEE or downstream of the LAMEE, or both. In some examples, the cooling coil can be referred to herein as a pre-cooling coil or a pre-cooler if it is located upstream of the LAMEE. The pre-cooler can be used to cool the scavenger air before the scavenger air enters the LAMEE. In some examples, the cooling coil can be referred to herein as an economizer coil if it can be configured for cooling the water in an economizer mode in which the LAMEE is bypassed and the cooling coil provides cooling to the return water. It is recognized that, in some examples, the cooling coils described herein can be the same type of cooling coil and have the same general design, regardless of whether the cooling coil is upstream or downstream of the LAMEE, or described as a pre-cooler, an economizer coil or a dry coil. As described further below, in some examples a cooling coil can function in some modes (for example, in summer) as a pre-cooler to the scavenger air and in other modes (for example, in winter) that same cooling coil can switch its function to be for cooling the increased-temperature water returning to the system.

<FIG> depicts an example conditioning system <NUM> in accordance with the invention for providing cooling to a data center (or other enclosed space) <NUM>. The conditioning system <NUM> can include a scavenger air plenum <NUM> which can include an air inlet <NUM> and an air outlet <NUM> through which a scavenger air stream can flow. The plenum <NUM> can also be referred to as a housing, cabinet or structure, and can be configured to house one or more components used to condition air or water. The plenum <NUM> can be disposed outside of the data center <NUM>. The conditioning system <NUM> can include a liquid-to-air membrane energy exchanger (LAMEE) <NUM>, a dry coil (or cooling coil) <NUM>, and a fan <NUM>. The LAMEE <NUM> can also be referred to herein as the exchanger <NUM>.

A liquid to air membrane energy exchanger (LAMEE) can be used as part of a heating and cooling system (or energy exchange system) to transfer heat and moisture between a liquid desiccant and an air stream to condition the temperature and humidity of the air flowing through the LAMEE. In an example, the membrane in the LAMEE can be a non-porous film having selective permeability for water, but not for other constituents that form the liquid desiccant. Many different types of liquid desiccants can be used in combination with the non-porous membrane, including, for example, glycols. The non-porous membrane can make it feasible to use desiccants, such as glycols, that had been previously determined to be unacceptable or undesirable in these types of applications. In an example, the membrane in the LAMEE can be semi-permeable or vapor permeable, and generally anything in a gas phase can pass through the membrane and generally anything in a liquid phase cannot pass through the membrane. In an example, the membrane in the LAMEE can be micro-porous such that one or more gases can pass through the membrane. In an example, the membrane can be a selectively-permeable membrane such that some constituents, but not others, can pass through the membrane. It is recognized that the LAMEEs included in the conditioning systems disclosed herein can use any type of membrane suitable for use with an evaporative cooler LAMEE.

The LAMEE or exchanger <NUM> in the conditioning system <NUM> (as well as the other exchangers disclosed in the examples of <FIG>) can circulate a cooling fluid, which can be an evaporative fluid, through the LAMEE or exchanger <NUM> to reduce a temperature of the cooling fluid. The LAMEE or exchanger <NUM> can operate as an evaporative cooler, using the cooling potential in both air and the cooling fluid (for example, water) to reject heat. In an example, the LAMEE or exchanger <NUM> can use a flexible polymer membrane, which is vapor permeable, to separate air and water. The water flow rate through the LAMEE <NUM> may not be limited, compared to other conditioning systems, and the LAMEE <NUM> can operate with water entering the LAMEE <NUM> at higher temperatures.

The cooling fluid circulating through the LAMEE or exchanger <NUM> can include water, liquid desiccant, glycol, other hygroscopic fluids, other evaporative liquids, and/or combinations thereof. In an example, the cooling fluid is a liquid desiccant that is a low concentration salt solution. The presence of salt can sanitize the cooling fluid to prevent microbial growth. In addition, the desiccant salt can affect the vapor pressure of the solution and allow the cooling fluid to either release or absorb moisture from the air. The concentration of the liquid desiccant can be adjusted for control purposes to control the amount of cooling of the scavenger air or cooling fluid within the LAMEE or exchanger <NUM>.

In an example, the cooling fluid in the LAMEE or exchanger <NUM> can be water or predominantly water. In the conditioning system <NUM> of <FIG>, as well as the conditioning systems of <FIG>, the cooling fluid is described as being water and the LAMEE or exchanger <NUM> can include a water inlet <NUM> and a water outlet <NUM> for passing water through the exchanger <NUM>. The inlet <NUM> and outlet <NUM> can be described as a cooling fluid inlet and a cooling fluid outlet since a fluid in addition to, or as an alternative to, water can circulate through the exchanger <NUM>. It is recognized that other types of evaporative cooling fluids, including those listed above, can be used in combination with water or as an alternative to water in the conditioning systems of <FIG>.

The LAMEE or exchanger <NUM> can be referred to herein as an evaporative cooler and/or an evaporative cooler LAMEE. As scavenger air flows through the exchanger <NUM>, the water, or both the scavenger air and the water, can be cooled to the outside air wet bulb (WB) temperature. The scavenger air exiting the exchanger <NUM> can pass through the dry coil <NUM> and the fan <NUM> and exit the plenum <NUM> at outlet <NUM> as exhaust. The dry coil <NUM> is discussed further below.

Due to the evaporative cooling process in the exchanger <NUM>, a temperature of the water at the outlet <NUM> of the exchanger <NUM> can be less than a temperature of the water at the inlet <NUM>. The reduced-temperature water from the exchanger <NUM> can be used to provide cooling to the data center <NUM>. The exchanger <NUM> and other components inside the plenum <NUM>, such as the dry coil <NUM>, can be referred to herein as a cooling system <NUM>. The cooling system <NUM> can be located or disposed outside of the data center <NUM>.

After exiting the exchanger <NUM>, the reduced-temperature water can flow via a water line <NUM> into a water tank <NUM>. Although not shown in <FIG>, the water tank <NUM> can include a make-up valve and a drain valve to maintain the water level and hardness level inside the tank <NUM>. The water tank <NUM> can include one or more temperature sensors in or around the water tank <NUM> to monitor a temperature of the water in the tank <NUM>. In an example, a control of the conditioning system <NUM> can be based, in part, on a measured temperature of the water in the tank <NUM> compared to a setpoint water temperature. In an example, the setpoint water temperature can be pre-determined based on an estimated cooling load of the data center <NUM>. In an example, the setpoint water temperature can vary during operation of the conditioning system <NUM>, based in part on operation of the data center <NUM>.

The water from the water tank <NUM> can be pumped with a pump <NUM> to the data center <NUM> via a water line <NUM>. As described further below, the reduced-temperature water can provide cooling to the data center <NUM> by transporting the water to the data center <NUM>, eliminating the steps of moving hot supply air from the data center <NUM> through the cooling system <NUM> and then back to the data center <NUM>. The reduced-temperature water can cool the data center <NUM> using any known methods to reject heat from the data center <NUM>, including but not limited to, liquid immersing technology, cold plate technology, rear door heat exchangers, cooling distribution units (CDU), and cooling coils. In an example, the water can directly cool one or more components in the data center <NUM>. The one or more components can include, but are not limited to, electrical components. In an example, the water can pass through one or more cooling coils placed in a path of the supply air in the data center <NUM>, and the water in the cooling coil can sensibly cool the supply air. See <FIG> which are described below.

After the water provides cooling to the data center <NUM>, the water can be recirculated back to the exchanger <NUM>. The water can be at an increased-temperature when it exits the data center <NUM> because the rejected heat from the data center <NUM> has been picked up by the water. The water can pass from the data center <NUM> to the dry coil <NUM> through a water line <NUM>, and the dry coil <NUM> can cool the water before the water is returned to the exchanger <NUM>. The dry coil <NUM> can cool the water using the cooling potential of the scavenger air. The scavenger air exiting the exchanger <NUM> can be relatively cool and additional sensible heat from the water can be rejected into the scavenger air. In other examples, the water can pass directly back to the exchanger <NUM> rather than first passing through the dry coil <NUM>.

The water can exit the dry coil <NUM> through a water line <NUM>, which can be split, using a bypass valve <NUM>, into a water line 130a to the exchanger <NUM> and a water line 130b to the tank <NUM>. The bypass valve <NUM> can control how much of the water exiting the dry coil <NUM> is sent to the exchanger <NUM> and how much is sent to the tank <NUM>.

In an economizer mode, the bypass valve <NUM> can be open such that all of the water from the dry coil <NUM> can bypass the exchanger <NUM> and go directly to the tank <NUM>. The economizer mode or winter mode can enable the cooling system <NUM> to cool the water using the scavenger air and dry coil <NUM>, without having to run the exchanger <NUM>. In that situation, there may be no need for evaporation inside the exchanger <NUM> since the cold outdoor air (scavenger air) can pass through the dry coil <NUM> and cool the water. The dry coil <NUM> can also be referred to herein as an economizer coil since it can be a primary cooling source for the water in the economizer mode.

The plenum <NUM> can include one or more bypass dampers <NUM> between the exchanger <NUM> and the dry coil <NUM>. In the economizer mode, the scavenger air can also bypass the exchanger <NUM> by entering the plenum <NUM>, through the bypass dampers <NUM>, downstream of the exchanger <NUM>. This can protect the exchanger <NUM> and avoid running the exchanger <NUM> when it is not needed. The cooling system <NUM> can modulate between a normal mode and an economizer mode to limit power consumption and based on outdoor air conditions.

The reduced-temperature water from the exchanger <NUM> can be part of a cooling fluid circuit that can extend from the plenum <NUM> and be delivered to the data center <NUM>. After the water provides cooling to the data center <NUM>, the water can be recirculated through the cooling system <NUM>. The water tank <NUM> and the pump <NUM> can be considered to be part of the cooling fluid circuit or the cooling system <NUM>. One or both of the tank <NUM> and pump <NUM> can be located physically in the plenum <NUM>, or one or both of the tank <NUM> and pump <NUM> can be physically located in the data center <NUM>. Alternatively, one or both of the tank <NUM> and pump <NUM> can be located in a structure separate from the plenum <NUM> or the data center <NUM>.

Using a LAMEE in the cooling system <NUM> can offer advantages over conventional cooling systems, such as cooling towers, for example. The membrane separation layer in the LAMEE can reduce maintenance, can eliminate the requirement for chemical treatments, and can reduce the potential for contaminant transfer to the liquid loop. The use of LAMEEs along with an upstream or downstream cooling coil can result in a lower temperature of the water leaving the LAMEE and a higher cooling potential. Various configurations of cooling systems having a LAMEE are described herein and can boost performance in many climates. Higher cooling potential and performance can result in lower air flow and fan power consumption in the cooling system, which is the main source of energy consumption in liquid-cooling systems, and can increase the overall data center cooling system efficiency.

The cooling system <NUM> can maximize the cooling potential in the exchanger <NUM> and modulate the scavenger air through the plenum <NUM> based on the outdoor air conditions. The economizer mode, for example, in winter, can provide a reduction in water usage and power consumption compared to conventional cooling systems. The cooling system <NUM> can be smaller in size relative to conventional cooling systems, such as a cooling tower having a similar cooling capacity. The cooling system <NUM> can require less water treatment and water filtration compared to conventional cooling systems since the water and the scavenger air in the exchanger <NUM> do not come into direct contact with each other.

The cooling system <NUM> can utilize reduced-temperature water to provide cooling to a data center or other enclosed space. The reduced-temperature water can be transported from the cooling system <NUM>, which is disposed outside of the data center <NUM>, to the data center <NUM> or other enclosed space. In contrast, for existing air cooling designs, process air from the data center can be delivered to the cooling system which can be configured as a larger unit for two air flow paths - the process air and the scavenger air. Thus more energy is used in those designs to move the process air from the data center to the cooling system and then condition the process air. In the systems described herein, less energy by comparison can be used to deliver the reduced-temperature water from the cooling system to the data center. Moreover, water has a higher thermal capacity than air; thus a lower flow rate of water can be used, compared to air, to reject a certain amount of heat directly from one or more electrical components in the data center (or other components needing cooling) or from the air in the data center.

The term "provide cooling to the enclosed space" as used herein refers to using the reduced-temperature water from the LAMEE or exchanger to cool the air in the enclosed space or to cool one or more components in the enclosed space. The components within the space can be directly cooled (see <FIG>) with the reduced-temperature water or a coolant, the air around the components can be cooled (see <FIG>), or a combination can be used. Although the present application focuses on a data center as the enclosed space, the systems and methods disclosed herein for cooling can be used in other examples of enclosed spaces, including for example, a telecommunication room, industrial applications and commercial spaces. The systems and methods disclosed herein can be used in any application using water for cooling and then a cooling tower, or any application using dry coolers in combination with a supplemental heat rejection system for high scavenger air dry bulb temperatures.

<FIG> illustrate various configurations of conditioning systems that can have alternative or additional components, compared to the conditioning system <NUM> of <FIG>, in combination with a LAMEE. A particular configuration can be selected based in part on the cooling load of the enclosed space and a pre-determined temperature of the water (or coolant) to be delivered to the enclosed space to meet the cooling load. For example, in an application requiring that very cold water or coolant be provided to the enclosed space to meet the cooling load, a pre-cooler can be included in the conditioning system. In other examples in which it may be sufficient to provide a higher-temperature water or coolant (relative to the application described immediately above) to the enclosed space, the pre-cooler may not be needed to meet the cooling load of the enclosed space.

A control system for the conditioning systems is described further below in reference to the system <NUM> of <FIG>. It is recognized that a similar control system could be used for the other conditioning systems described herein and shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. A goal of the conditioning systems is to provide sufficient cooling to the data center or other enclosed space using less water and less energy. The use of a LAMEE as an evaporative cooler to produce cold water outside of the enclosed space and delivering the cold water (or coolant) to the enclosed space can provide water savings, as compared to other liquid cooling technologies, and energy savings, as compared to other existing air cooling technologies.

<FIG> depicts an example conditioning system <NUM> in accordance with the invention that can be similar to the system <NUM> of <FIG>. The system <NUM> can include an exchanger <NUM> and a cooling unit or dry coil <NUM> located in a scavenger air plenum <NUM>, which together can form a cooling system <NUM>. The cooling system <NUM> can operate in a normal mode or an economizer mode, as described above in reference to the cooling system <NUM>, to provide cooling to a data center <NUM>. Instead of delivering water from a tank <NUM> to the data center <NUM>, the water can be pumped, using a pump <NUM>, through a water line <NUM> to a liquid to liquid heat exchanger (LLHX) <NUM>.

A coolant can enter the LLHX <NUM> through an input line <NUM> and exit the LLHX <NUM> through an output line <NUM>. The coolant can be any suitable coolant used to provide direct cooling to one or more components in the data center <NUM> or to provide sensible cooling to supply air or data center air in the data center <NUM>. In an example, the coolant can include antifreeze to minimize the risk of the coolant freezing in the winter.

The lines <NUM> and <NUM> can be fluidly connected to the data center <NUM> such that the coolant exiting the LLHX <NUM> in the line <NUM> can be delivered to the data center <NUM>. After providing cooling to the data center <NUM>, the higher-temperature coolant can be recirculated back through the LLHX <NUM> via the line <NUM>. The reduced-temperature water from the tank <NUM> can cool the higher-temperature coolant in the LLHX <NUM> such that the coolant can exit the LLHX <NUM> at a lower temperature and be returned to the data center <NUM>. The higher-temperature water exiting the LLHX <NUM> can be delivered to the dry coil <NUM> through a water line <NUM>. The water can be cooled in the dry coil <NUM> and returned to the exchanger <NUM> or the tank <NUM> as described above in reference to the system <NUM> of <FIG>.

In the conditioning system <NUM>, the reduced-temperature water from the exchanger <NUM> can cool the coolant and the coolant can provide cooling to the data center <NUM>. This secondary coolant loop through the LLHX <NUM> can protect the components in the data center <NUM> from deposition caused by water hardness. The selected coolant can have anti-corrosion additives to protect metal components from corrosion. A selection between a cooling system using water to provide direct cooling to the data center (<FIG>) and a cooling system having a secondary cooling loop (<FIG>) can depend, in part, on the requirements of the data center (or other enclosed space), the type of equipment in the data center, and the type of cooling system used within the data center <NUM>. A variety of methods can be used to reject heat from the data center <NUM> using either water or a coolant. This is described further below in reference to <FIG>.

The LLHX <NUM> can be located physically in the plenum <NUM> or the LLHX <NUM> can be located in the data center <NUM>. If the LLHX <NUM> is located in the data center <NUM> and the tank <NUM> is located outside the data center <NUM>, the pump <NUM> can pump the water through the line <NUM> to the data center <NUM>. Alternatively, the LLHX <NUM> can be in a structure separate from the plenum <NUM> or the data center <NUM>, and in that case, the tank <NUM> can be located in the same or a different location from the LLHX <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an example conditioning system <NUM> in accordance with the invention having a cooling system <NUM> for providing cooling to a data center (or other enclosed space) <NUM>. The cooling system <NUM> can be similar to the system <NUM> of <FIG> and can include a secondary coolant loop having an LLHX <NUM>. The system <NUM> can additionally include a direct expansion (DX) cooling coil <NUM> in a water tank <NUM>.

The DX coil <NUM> can be used to provide additional cooling to the water in the tank <NUM> such that lower-temperature water can be provided to the LLHX <NUM>. In an example, the DX coil <NUM> can be used to pre-cool water in the tank <NUM> before or during start-up of the cooling system <NUM>. A refrigerant loop <NUM> can be included in the cooling system <NUM> to cool the refrigerant exiting the DX coil <NUM>. The refrigerant loop <NUM> can include a compressor <NUM>, a condenser coil <NUM>, and an expansion valve <NUM>. The condenser coil <NUM> can be located inside the scavenger air plenum <NUM>. Scavenger air passing through the condenser coil <NUM> can cool the refrigerant. The cooled refrigerant can then be recirculated back through the DX coil <NUM> in the tank <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the scavenger air passes through the fan <NUM> and then the condenser coil <NUM>. In other examples, the order of the fan <NUM> and the condenser coil <NUM> in the plenum <NUM> can be reversed.

It is recognized that a DX coil can be used in the water tank of any of the other cooling systems described herein, including the cooling systems of <FIG> and <FIG>. Other types of mechanical cooling means can be used in addition to, or as an alternative to, the DX coil <NUM> to cool the water in the tank <NUM> and such cooling means can be located inside or outside of the tank <NUM>. For example, a liquid to refrigerant heat exchanger, located outside of the tank <NUM>, can use a refrigerant to cool the water from the tank <NUM> before the water is directed to the LLHX <NUM>. In that case, the increased-temperature refrigerant can pass through the compressor <NUM>, condenser coil <NUM> and expansion valve <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In an example, a chilled water coil can be used in the water tank and the chilled water can be provided using a chiller, in which case a compressor, condenser coil and expansion valve for a refrigerant would not be needed. If the data center <NUM> or enclosed space has a chiller on site, this can be an effective option for providing additional cooling to the water in the tank <NUM>.

In an example, a thermal storage tank can be used in the cooling system <NUM> (or any of the conditioning systems described herein) in combination with the tank <NUM>. The thermal storage tank can provide a stand-by cooling option for the water from the tank <NUM>, for example, during a shut-down of the system <NUM>. The water from the tank <NUM> can be drained into the thermal storage tank.

<FIG> depicts an example conditioning system <NUM> having a cooling system <NUM> for providing cooling to a data center (or other enclosed space) <NUM>. The cooling system <NUM> can be similar to the system <NUM> of <FIG> and can include an exchanger <NUM> and a secondary coolant loop having an LLHX <NUM>. Instead of having a dry coil located downstream of the exchanger <NUM> (see the dry coil <NUM> of <FIG>), the cooling system <NUM> can include a dry coil or pre-cooler coil <NUM> (also referred to as a pre-cooling coil or a pre-cooler) upstream of the exchanger <NUM>. A filter <NUM> can be arranged inside the plenum <NUM> near an air inlet <NUM>. It is recognized that a filter can similarly be included in the plenum of the other conditioning systems of <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>.

In the design shown in <FIG>, an input line <NUM> to the pre-cooler <NUM> can carry the water from the LLHX <NUM>. The pre-cooler <NUM> can be effective when the temperature of the water entering the pre-cooler <NUM> is lower than the outdoor air dry bulb temperature. The cooling system <NUM> can be used in typical summer conditions as well as extreme summer conditions when the outdoor air can be very hot and humid. The pre-cooler <NUM> can depress the outdoor air dry bulb temperature, thus pre-cooling the scavenger air passing through the pre-cooler <NUM> and heating the water in the pre-cooler <NUM>. The scavenger air and the water can then pass through the exchanger <NUM> as described above, in which case evaporation occurs and water or both the air and water can be cooled to the outdoor air wet bulb temperature. This can be referred to as a summer mode or a normal operating mode when the scavenger air and water are passing through the pre-cooler <NUM> and the exchanger <NUM>.

If the outdoor air is cold, such as in winter, the cooling system <NUM> can operate in an economizer mode or winter mode as similarly described above in reference to <FIG>. Because the scavenger air is cold, the scavenger air can cool the water as the scavenger air passes through the pre-cooler <NUM>. In that case, the pre-cooler <NUM> is not providing cooling to the scavenger air as described above, but rather the pre-cooler <NUM> can use the cold scavenger air to cool the water from the line <NUM> such that the water can exit the pre-cooler <NUM> at a reduced temperature and be recirculated back to the tank <NUM>, without having to be cooled in the exchanger <NUM>.

The water can exit the pre-cooler <NUM> through a water line <NUM> that can be split, as described above in reference to <FIG>, using a valve <NUM>. The valve <NUM> can control the flow of water to the exchanger <NUM>, through line 464a, and to the tank <NUM>, through line 464b. During the economizer mode, all or a majority of the water in the line <NUM> can be sent to the tank <NUM> since the water can be cooled in the pre-cooler <NUM> and the exchanger <NUM> may not be needed. During warm outdoor air conditions, all or a majority of the water in the line <NUM> can be sent to the exchanger <NUM> since the pre-cooler <NUM> in that situation is functioning as a cooling coil for the scavenger air.

The plenum <NUM> can include an air bypass <NUM> having dampers <NUM>. The bypass <NUM> can allow the scavenger air to bypass the exchanger <NUM> in an economizer mode when the exchanger <NUM> is not being used. The scavenger air can then pass through the fan <NUM> and then exit at the scavenger air outlet <NUM> as exhaust air. Alternatively, dampers similar to dampers <NUM> shown in <FIG> can be used such that the scavenger air can exit the plenum <NUM> at a location between the pre-cooler <NUM> and the exchanger <NUM>.

In both summer and winter modes, the scavenger air can modulate to control power consumption. The scavenger air flow rate can depend, in part, on the outdoor air conditions and the location where the plenum <NUM> is installed.

In other examples, the cooling system <NUM> can exclude the LLHX <NUM> and water from the tank <NUM> can be delivered directly to the data center <NUM> as described in reference to the cooling system <NUM> of <FIG>.

In other examples, the cooling system <NUM> can include a DX coil inside the tank <NUM>, as well as the other components of the refrigerant loop for the DX coil (see <FIG>). A cooling system having the pre-cooler <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, in combination with a DX coil inside the tank <NUM> can be used in extreme outdoor air conditions. If the temperature in the tank <NUM> is higher than the setpoint temperature (to cover <NUM>% of the load), a DX coil in the tank <NUM> can cool the water in the tank <NUM> to the setpoint temperature. Thus the DX coil can provide additional cooling of the water leaving the tank <NUM> so that the water <NUM> can be sufficiently cool to cover the load for the data center <NUM>. During other outdoor air conditions, a DX coil in the tank <NUM> may not be needed to cover the load. In winter or during an economizer mode, such a cooling system (the cooling system <NUM> with a DX coil inside the tank <NUM>) can have an air bypass similar to the air bypass <NUM> shown in <FIG> and such bypass may extend past the condenser for the refrigerant loop so that the scavenger air can bypass the exchanger and the condenser, pass through the fan and exit the plenum. Alternatively, as described above, bypass dampers can be used to direct the scavenger air out of the plenum at a location between the pre-cooler <NUM> and the exchanger <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an example conditioning system <NUM> in accordance with the invention having a cooling system <NUM>, which is similar to the cooling system <NUM> of <FIG>, for providing cooling to a data center <NUM> or other enclosed space. The cooling system <NUM> can also include a pre-cooler or dry coil <NUM> (also referred to as a pre-cooling coil or a pre-cooler coil) inside the plenum <NUM> such that the system <NUM> includes a first cooling unit (pre-cooler <NUM>) upstream of an exchanger <NUM> and a second cooling unit (dry coil <NUM>) downstream of the exchanger <NUM>. The dry coil <NUM> can be similar to the dry coils <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively. The pre-cooler <NUM> can be similar to the pre-cooler <NUM> of <FIG>.

As described above in reference to other cooling system examples, the dry coil <NUM> can effectively cool the higher-temperature water using the relatively cool scavenger air exiting the exchanger <NUM>. The pre-cooler <NUM> can be used in humid or extreme outdoor air conditions to condition the scavenger air prior to passing the scavenger air through the exchanger <NUM>. The pre-cooler <NUM> can depress the outdoor air wet bulb temperature to provide more cooling potential in the exchanger <NUM>.

A flow path of the reduced-temperature water from the exchanger <NUM> and the dry coil <NUM> to the tank <NUM> can be similar to the description above in reference to <FIG>. A flow path of the increased-temperature water from the data center <NUM> to the dry coil <NUM> can be similar to the description above in reference to <FIG>. The reduced-temperature water can leave the tank <NUM> through two different water lines. A first pump <NUM> can pump water from the tank <NUM> to the data center <NUM> through a water line <NUM>. A second pump <NUM> can pump water from the tank <NUM> to the pre-cooler <NUM> through a water line <NUM>. In other examples, one water line and one pump can be used to deliver water out of the tank <NUM> and a split valve can be used to control the delivery of water to the data center <NUM> and to the pre-cooler <NUM>. (See <FIG>.

The plenum <NUM> can include two sets of bypass dampers - first dampers <NUM> between the pre-cooler <NUM> and the exchanger <NUM>, and second dampers <NUM> between the exchanger <NUM> and the dry coil <NUM>. The use of the bypass dampers <NUM> and <NUM> to direct the flow of scavenger air into the plenum <NUM> can depend on the outdoor air conditions. Although the first and second bypass dampers <NUM> and <NUM> are each shown as having a pair of dampers on opposing sides of the plenum <NUM>, it is recognized that one or both of the first <NUM> and second <NUM> bypass dampers can be a single damper on one side of the plenum <NUM>.

The cooling system <NUM> can operate in three modes and selection of the mode can depend, in part, on the outdoor air conditions and a cooling load of the data center <NUM>. When the outdoor air is cold, the cooling system <NUM> can operate in a first mode, an economizer mode, and the pre-cooler <NUM> and the exchanger <NUM> can be bypassed. The scavenger air can enter the plenum <NUM> through dampers <NUM> and pass through the dry coil <NUM>. In a second operating mode, which can also be referred to as a normal mode or an evaporation mode, the pre-cooler <NUM> can be bypassed. The evaporation mode can operate during mild conditions, such as spring or fall when the temperature or humidity is moderate, as well as some summer conditions. The scavenger air may be able to bypass the pre-cooler <NUM>, while still meeting the cooling load. The scavenger air can enter the plenum <NUM> through dampers <NUM>, and then can pass through the exchanger <NUM> and the dry coil <NUM>. In a third operating mode, which can also be referred to as an enhanced mode or a super evaporation mode, the cooling system <NUM> can run using both the pre-cooler <NUM> and the dry coil <NUM>. Under extreme conditions, or when the outdoor air is hot or humid, the cooling system <NUM> can provide pre-cooling to the scavenger air, using the pre-cooler <NUM>, before the scavenger air enters the exchanger <NUM>. The pre-cooler <NUM> can be used to improve the cooling power of the system <NUM>, allowing the exchanger <NUM> to achieve lower discharge temperatures at the outlet <NUM> of the exchanger <NUM>. The pre-cooler <NUM> can reduce or eliminate a need for supplemental mechanical cooling.

The flow of water into the exchanger <NUM> through a water inlet <NUM> can also depend on an operating mode of the cooling system <NUM>. Similar to the cooling systems described above, the water exiting the dry coil <NUM> through a water line <NUM> can be split into a water line 530a to the exchanger <NUM> and a water line 530b to the tank <NUM>, depending on whether the cooling system <NUM> is operating in the economizer mode. A bypass valve <NUM> can control the flow of water from the dry coil <NUM> to the tank <NUM> and the exchanger <NUM>. The water exiting the pre-cooler <NUM> can be directed to the inlet <NUM> of the exchanger <NUM> through a water line <NUM>. A junction <NUM> of the water lines <NUM> and 530a is shown in <FIG>. It is recognized that the water lines <NUM> and 530a do not have to merge or join together prior to the inlet <NUM> and two separate water lines can be in fluid connection with the inlet <NUM>.

The conditioning system <NUM> can include a control system to control operation of the cooling system <NUM> and control an amount of cooling provided from the cooling system <NUM> to the data center <NUM>. Such control system can be manual or automated, or a combination of both. The conditioning system <NUM> can be operated so that a temperature of the water in the tank <NUM> can be equal to a setpoint temperature that can be constant or variable. In a conditioning system <NUM> including a LLHX and a secondary coolant loop, the conditioning system <NUM> can be operated so that a temperature of the coolant leaving the LLHX (see, for example, the line <NUM> of <FIG>) can be equal to a setpoint temperature that can be constant or variable. Controlling to the temperature of the coolant can be in addition to or as an alternative to controlling to the temperature of the water in the tank <NUM> or the water leaving the tank <NUM>. The setpoint temperature can be determined based in part on the cooling requirements of the data center <NUM>. The cooling system in the data center <NUM> can use the water or coolant delivered to the data center <NUM> from the cooling system <NUM> to cool the air in the data center <NUM> or to cool one or more electrical components in the data center <NUM>. The conditioning system <NUM> can be controlled to reduce overall water usage and power consumption, and increase heat rejection from the data center <NUM>.

Operation of the conditioning system <NUM> can be aimed at increasing the portion of sensible heating between the water and the scavenger air and decreasing the portion of latent heating between the water and the scavenger air. Water evaporation inside the LAMEE or exchanger <NUM> can be optimized to minimize water consumption in the cooling system <NUM> by at least one of using cooling coils before or after the exchanger <NUM> and modulating a scavenger air flow rate through the system <NUM>. A greater portion of the heat load can be rejected in the dry coil <NUM> downstream of the exchanger <NUM>, if the water returning to the system <NUM> is at a higher temperature. As a result, the scavenger air temperature at an outlet of the dry coil <NUM> can be higher. The LAMEE <NUM> can consume less water when the latent portion of the work performed in the LAMEE is reduced.

In an example, the cooling system <NUM> can be operated in an economizer mode in which the LAMEE <NUM> is turned off and bypassed so long as the setpoint temperature of the water delivered to the tank can be met using the dry coil <NUM>. However, if the water in the tank is at a temperature above the setpoint, the cooling system <NUM> can be operated in a normal mode which includes using the LAMEE <NUM> to cool the water. Similarly, if the setpoint temperature cannot be achieved in the normal mode, an enhanced mode can include using the pre-cooler <NUM> to condition the scavenger air before the scavenger air enters the LAMEE <NUM>.

Other conditioning systems described herein and shown in <FIG> and <FIG> can similarly include a control system for operating the cooling systems.

In other examples, the cooling system <NUM> could include a LLHX as part of a secondary coolant loop such that a coolant provides the cooling to the data center <NUM>. In other examples, the cooling system <NUM> can include a DX coil inside the tank <NUM>.

In an example, a conditioning system can include multiple cooling systems that can be similar to the cooling system <NUM> or any of the other cooling systems described herein and shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Multiple cooling systems can produce reduced-temperature water streams, which can be delivered to a master storage tank. Operation of the multiple cooling systems can depend in part on a temperature of the water in the master tank. In an example, the cooling systems may be configured to operate more during the night when the outdoor air is cooler or operate more at certain periods in the day based on the cooling loads of the data center <NUM> or other enclosed space. The conditioning systems described herein and shown in <FIG> can be well suited for enclosed spaces that have a continuous cooling load or a variable cooling load.

<FIG> depicts an example conditioning system <NUM> having a cooling system <NUM> for providing cooling to a data center (or other enclosed space) <NUM>. The cooling system <NUM> can be similar to the cooling system <NUM> of <FIG> in that a dry coil/pre-cooler <NUM> can be arranged inside a plenum <NUM> upstream of an exchanger <NUM>. However, in contrast to the cooling system <NUM> in which the pre-cooling coil <NUM> can receive the increased-temperature water from the LLHX <NUM> (or from the data center <NUM>), the pre-cooler <NUM> can receive the reduced-temperature water from the tank <NUM>. The water can exit the tank <NUM> through a water line <NUM> using a pump <NUM>. A bypass valve <NUM> can split the water from the water line <NUM> into a water line 682a to the pre-cooler <NUM> and a water line 682b to the data center <NUM>. In other examples, the water line 682b can pass to a LLHX that is part of a secondary coolant loop such that a coolant can be cooled with the water and the coolant can then be delivered to the data center <NUM>.

The water exiting the pre-cooler <NUM> can pass back through the exchanger <NUM> via a water line <NUM>. A valve <NUM> can control a flow of water from the pre-cooler <NUM> and from the data center <NUM> into the exchanger <NUM> at inlet <NUM>. Water from the data center <NUM> can go directly back to the exchanger <NUM> through a water line <NUM>. As such, the increased-temperature water can be returned to the exchanger <NUM> without having any pre-cooling performed on the increased-temperature water. The increased-temperature water entering the exchanger <NUM> can produce high evaporation rates (a significant amount of heat can be rejected as latent heat). The relative water consumption of the system <NUM> can be higher compared to other cooling system designs. The size of the system <NUM> can be more compact and require less scavenger air flow for the same amount of heat rejection, compared to other cooling system designs.

In the design of the cooling system <NUM> in which the water from the tank is split into lines 682a and 682b, the bypass valve <NUM> can be used to control what portion of the water goes to the pre-cooling coil <NUM> and what portion goes to the data center <NUM>. The splitting ratio can be varied to control the mass flow rate to each of the pre-cooler <NUM> and the data center <NUM>. This can enable the coldest-temperature water in the system <NUM> (from the tank <NUM>) to go to the pre-cooling coil <NUM>, maximizing its ability to lower the wet bulb temperature of the scavenger air and depress achievable cooling temperatures of the water in the exchanger <NUM> as much as possible. If colder water is sent to the pre-cooler <NUM>, the pre-cooler <NUM> can further cool the scavenger air entering the plenum <NUM>, providing greater potential for evaporation inside the exchanger <NUM>. If the pre-cooler <NUM> is not needed in order for the water in the tank <NUM> to meet the setpoint temperature (and thus meet the cooling load of the data center <NUM>), essentially all of the water exiting the tank <NUM> can be delivered to the data center <NUM> through the line 682b.

It is recognized that this control of the water distribution between two or more water lines can also be used in any of the other cooling system designs, including the system <NUM> of <FIG> in which two water lines (<NUM> and <NUM>) are shown exiting the tank <NUM>.

The plenum <NUM> can include one or more bypass dampers <NUM> which can be used to direct the scavenger air into the plenum <NUM> at a location downstream of the pre-cooling coil <NUM>.

In other examples, the cooling system <NUM> can include a DX coil inside the tank <NUM> to provide additional cooling to the water in the tank <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an example conditioning system <NUM> having a cooling system <NUM> for providing cooling to a data center (or other enclosed space) <NUM>. The cooling system <NUM> can be similar to the cooling system <NUM> of <FIG> and can include an exchanger <NUM> and a pre-cooling coil or pre-cooler <NUM> located upstream of the exchanger <NUM>. The system <NUM> can also include an air-to-air heat exchanger (AAHX) <NUM>, which can include, but is not limited to, a heat wheel, heat pipe, cross flow flat-plate AAHX or counter flow flat-plate AAHX.

The scavenger air can enter the plenum <NUM> at a scavenger air inlet <NUM>, pass through a filter <NUM> and then pass through the AAHX <NUM>. The scavenger air can be indirectly and sensibly cooled in the AAHX <NUM> using the scavenger air exiting the exchanger <NUM>. The cooling system design of <FIG> can be used for hot or humid outdoor air conditions to eliminate or reduce a need for additional DX cooling to precool the scavenger air entering the plenum <NUM>.

After the scavenger air exits the AAHX <NUM>, the scavenger air can pass through the pre-cooler <NUM> in a second stage of cooling the scavenger air, in which the wet bulb temperature of the air can be further depressed, thereby increasing the cooling potential in the exchanger <NUM>. After the scavenger air exits the exchanger <NUM> at a reduced temperature, the cold air can pass through a fan <NUM> and the AAHX <NUM> to cool the outside air entering the plenum <NUM> at the scavenger air inlet <NUM>. The scavenger air can then exit the plenum <NUM> as exhaust air at the scavenger air outlet <NUM>.

A flow path of the water through the system <NUM> can be similar to the configuration in the cooling system <NUM> of <FIG>. A bypass valve <NUM> can be used to control the flow of water from the pre-cooler <NUM> to the tank <NUM> (via a line 464a) and to the exchanger <NUM> (via a line 464b), depending in part on the outdoor air conditions and the operating mode of the system <NUM>.

In mild conditions or in winter, some or essentially all of the water exiting the pre-cooler <NUM> can be directed back to the tank <NUM> and the water may not pass through the exchanger <NUM>. In those conditions, the AAHX <NUM> can also be turned off, in which case the scavenger air can still enter the plenum <NUM> at the inlet <NUM>, or the AAHX <NUM> can be bypassed by directing the scavenger air into the plenum <NUM> through bypass dampers <NUM> between the AAHX <NUM> and the pre-cooler <NUM>. In some cases, the scavenger air can still pass through the exchanger <NUM> even if water is not being circulated through the exchanger <NUM>, and the scavenger air can exit the plenum through bypass dampers <NUM> located downstream of the fan <NUM> and before the AAHX <NUM>. In other designs, the fan <NUM> can be in a different location within the plenum <NUM>. In an example, the fan <NUM> can be moved upstream of the pre-cooler <NUM> and the exchanger <NUM>, and a bypass could be included after the fan <NUM> for directing the scavenger air out of the plenum <NUM>.

In an example, the outdoor air conditions can be such that the AAHX <NUM> can be used for cooling the scavenger air entering the plenum <NUM> and the pre-cooler coil <NUM> can be bypassed by one or both of the air and the water. It is recognized that various configurations of dampers and bypasses can be included in the cooling system <NUM> to improve energy efficiency and operation of the system <NUM> depending on the outdoor air conditions.

In other examples, the cooling system <NUM> can eliminate the LLHX <NUM> and the reduced-temperature water can be delivered directly from the tank <NUM> to the data center <NUM>.

Various configurations of cooling systems having a LAMEE and other components arranged inside a scavenger air plenum are described above and illustrated in <FIG>. Any of the configurations described above can use the water to provide cooling to the data center or any of the configurations described above can include a secondary coolant loop to use the cold water to cool a coolant which can be delivered to the data center. It is recognized that some of the components in the cooling system do not have to be arranged in the specific manner illustrated in the figures and alternative configurations are included in the scope of the invention. For example, a fan can be located upstream or downstream of the exchanger, a fan can be located upstream or downstream of a condenser coil that is part of a refrigerant loop. A filter is included in the cooling systems <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively (see filters <NUM> and <NUM>). It is recognized that a filter can be included near an inlet of any of the plenums of the other cooling systems of <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. It is recognized that additional components can be included in the cooling systems described above and illustrated in <FIG>. In an example, any of the conditioning systems of <FIG> can include a water treatment device which can control a quality of the water circulating through the conditioning systems.

As described above, reduced-temperature water from a LAMEE can be used to provide cooling to a data center or other enclosed space. The reduced-temperature water can be delivered to the enclosed space or the reduced-temperature water can cool a coolant in a secondary coolant loop such that the coolant can be delivered to the enclosed space. The water or coolant can cool the enclosed space using any known methods for rejecting heat from the space with a liquid (water or coolant). <FIG> illustrate examples of cooling systems that can be used to cool the enclosed space. It is recognized that a combination of cooling systems can be used inside the enclosed space.

<FIG> depicts an example cooling system <NUM> in accordance with the invention that can be located inside a data center <NUM> or other enclosed space. The cooling system <NUM> can use immersing technology to provide liquid cooling to IT equipment or electrical components <NUM> that can be immersed in a liquid bath <NUM>. The liquid bath <NUM> can be formed of coolant from a secondary coolant loop having a LLHX in which the coolant can be cooled using reduced-temperature water from any of the cooling systems in <FIG> described above using a LAMEE. The coolant can enter the liquid bath <NUM> at an inlet <NUM> to provide cooling to the components <NUM> immersed in the coolant and can reject essentially <NUM>% of the heat from the components <NUM>. The coolant can exit the liquid bath <NUM> at an outlet <NUM> at an increased temperature, relative to a temperature at the inlet <NUM>. The coolant can be circulated back to the LLHX in the secondary coolant loop such that the reduced-temperature water passing through the LLHX can cool the coolant for delivery back to the cooling system <NUM>.

The cooling system <NUM> is shown in <FIG> having four electrical components <NUM>. It is recognized that more or less electrical components <NUM> can be cooled in the cooling system <NUM>. In an example, the data center <NUM> can contain multiple cooling systems <NUM>, each of which may cool a plurality of electrical components <NUM>. The coolant delivered to the data center <NUM> can come from a single cooling system described above and shown in <FIG> and such cooling system can have sufficient cooling capacity to provide cooling across the multiple cooling systems <NUM>. Alternatively, the coolant to the data center <NUM> can be from multiple cooling systems selected from any of the designs described above and shown in <FIG>, each of which has a LAMEE in combination with other components to produce cold water.

In an example, the coolant in the liquid bath <NUM> can be a specific non-conductive liquid with high thermal capacity and have properties sufficient to satisfy requirements for liquid immersing technologies.

<FIG> depicts an example cooling system <NUM> in accordance with the invention that can be located inside a data center <NUM> or other enclosed space. The cooling system <NUM> can use cold-plate technology to provide liquid cooling to IT equipment or electrical components <NUM> inside the data center <NUM>.

In an example, cold water from the cooling systems described above and shown in <FIG> can be delivered from the storage tank to the data center <NUM> and distributed to each of the electrical components <NUM>. The water can pass through microchannels in a cold plate <NUM> that is attached to and in direct contact with each of the electrical components <NUM>. The water can pick up a portion of the heat from the electrical components <NUM> such that a temperature of the water at an outlet <NUM> of each plate <NUM> is higher than a temperature of the water at an inlet <NUM> of each plate <NUM>. The increased-temperature water can then be returned to the cooling system and recirculated back through the cooling system as described above and shown in <FIG>.

In an example, a coolant can be delivered to the data center <NUM> and distributed to each of the electrical components <NUM>. The coolant can be any suitable coolant for circulation through the cold plates <NUM>. The coolant can be cooled in a secondary coolant loop prior to being delivered to the data center <NUM> as described above. After the coolant passes through the cold plates <NUM>, rejecting heat from the components <NUM>, the increased-temperature coolant can be returned to a LLHX in the secondary coolant loop such that the coolant can be cooled back down for recirculation back to the cooling system <NUM>.

If water is used in the cooling system <NUM>, in an example, the water may need to be treated prior to passing the water through the cold plates <NUM> to ensure the water is sufficiently clean. An air cooling system can also be used to provide cooling to the data center <NUM> since the cooling system <NUM> may not be able to reject <NUM>% of the heat from the electrical components <NUM>.

The cooling system <NUM> is shown in <FIG> having three electrical components <NUM>, each with a cold plate <NUM>. It is recognized that more or less electrical components <NUM> can be cooled in the cooling system <NUM>. In an example, the data center <NUM> can contain multiple cooling systems <NUM>, each of which may cool a plurality of electrical components <NUM>. The water or coolant delivered to the data center <NUM> can come from a single cooling system described above and shown in <FIG> and such cooling system can have sufficient cooling capacity to provide cooling across the multiple cooling systems <NUM>. Alternatively, the water or coolant can from multiple cooling systems selected from any of the designs described above and shown in <FIG>, each of which has a LAMEE in combination with other components to produce cold water or coolant.

<FIG> depicts an example cooling system <NUM> in accordance with the invention that can be located inside a data center <NUM> or other enclosed space. The cooling system <NUM> can use a cooling coil <NUM> to provide cooling to the air in the data center <NUM>. The cold water or coolant from any of the cooling systems of <FIG> can flow through the cooling coil <NUM>. As the data center air flows over the cooling coil <NUM>, the data center air can be sensibly cooled by the water or coolant in the coil <NUM>. As such, a temperature of the data center air downstream of the cooling coil <NUM> can be less than a temperature of the data center air upstream of the cooling coil <NUM>. The temperature of the water or coolant at an outlet <NUM> of the coil <NUM> can be greater than a temperature of the water or coolant at an inlet <NUM> of the coil <NUM>. The increased-temperature water or coolant exiting the cool <NUM> can be returned to the cooling system and recirculated back through the cooling system as described above and shown in <FIG>.

The cooling coil <NUM> can be configured in the data center <NUM> in any number of ways. The data center <NUM> can include one or more cooling coils <NUM> depending on the cooling capacity of the coil <NUM> and the cooling load in the data center <NUM>. In an example, the cooling coil <NUM> can be configured as a rear door heat exchanger and attach to the back of a component, including, for example, an electrical component in the data center <NUM>. The data center air can pass through one or more components in a cabinet and the data center air can pick up the heat from the components. The increased temperature air can then pass through the rear door heat exchanger, where cooling of the air can occur, and then exit the cabinet. In an example, the cooling coil <NUM> can be positioned above one or more electrical components and the data center air can be directed up to the cooling coil <NUM>.

In examples, a data center or enclosed space can have multiple cooling systems, including any combination of those shown in <FIG>. The water or coolant supplied to the data center can come from multiple cooling systems including any combination of those shown in <FIG> or a single cooling system selected from any of those shown in <FIG> can be used to provide cooling to the data center.

<FIG> depicts an example conditioning system <NUM> for providing cooling to a device <NUM>. The conditioning system <NUM> can include a cooling system <NUM> that can be similar to any of the cooling systems <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of <FIG> and can include a LAMEE, and any of the other components and features described above in combination with the LAMEE, to form the cooling system <NUM>.

The cooling system <NUM> can produce reduced-temperature water or coolant, using an evaporative cooler LAMEE, and the reduced-temperature water or coolant can be delivered to the device <NUM> to be cooled. The cooling system <NUM> can be located separate from and remote to the device <NUM> and the reduced-temperature water or coolant can be transported or delivered to the device <NUM>. In an example, the device <NUM> is not in an enclosed space, such that the device <NUM> can be open to the atmosphere and an exterior of the device <NUM> can be exposed to outdoor air. The example conditioning system of <FIG> is thus distinguished from previous examples in that the conditioning products (water or other fluid coolant) of the cooling system <NUM> can be delivered to a device or other piece of equipment or system that is not arranged within an enclosed space.

The conditioning system <NUM> can be configured such that the reduced-temperature water or coolant from the cooling system <NUM> can be delivered to an inlet <NUM> of the device <NUM> at an inlet temperature. The cooling liquid can reject heat from the device <NUM> such that the water or coolant leaving the device at an outlet <NUM> can be at an outlet temperature that is higher than the inlet temperature. The increased-temperature liquid exiting the device <NUM> can be recirculated back to the cooling system <NUM> where the water or coolant can be cooled again, as described above.

The device <NUM> can include any type of equipment or component that generates heat or any type of equipment or component that uses a fluid for heat rejection. The reduced-temperature water or coolant from the cooling system <NUM> can reject heat from the device <NUM> using any known method, including those described above and shown herein. In an example, the reduced-temperature water or coolant can directly cool the device <NUM>. The reduced-temperature water or coolant from the cooling system <NUM> can circulate through channels formed in the device <NUM>, as similarly described in reference to the cold plates <NUM> of the cooling system <NUM> of <FIG>. In an example, the reduced-temperature water or coolant can be circulated through a liquid to liquid heat exchanger (LLHX) inside the device <NUM> and the water or coolant can pick up heat from a second fluid circulating through the LLHX to reduce a temperature of the second fluid. The device <NUM> can include, but is not limited to, industrial equipment, commercial equipment, a chiller, a condenser coil, or any equipment (or in any process) using a cooling tower for heat rejection. The device <NUM> can include any type of equipment or component that can use water or another cooling fluid to reject heat from the equipment/component or from a liquid in, or associated with, the equipment/component.

It is recognized that the cooling system <NUM> can be used to provide cooling to more than one device, depending on a cooling load of each of the devices and a cooling capacity of the system <NUM>. In an example, the device <NUM> of <FIG> can include a plurality of pieces of industrial equipment; each piece of equipment can receive reduced-temperature water or coolant which can come from a central cooling system <NUM> or from a separate cooling system <NUM> dedicated to each piece of equipment.

The present disclosure includes methods of operating a conditioning system, having at least one cooling system, to control conditions in an enclosed space, such as, for example, a data center. The methods can include directing scavenger air through a liquid to air membrane energy exchanger (LAMEE) arranged inside a scavenger air plenum disposed outside of the enclosed space. The scavenger air can enter the plenum at an air inlet and exit the plenum at an air outlet. The scavenger air plenum and the LAMEE can form a cooling system disposed outside of the enclosed space. The methods can include also directing water through the LAMEE such that the LAMEE has a water flow path separate from an air flow path, and evaporatively cooling takes place reducing a temperature of the scavenger air and the water to the outdoor air wet bulb temperature, depending on the air conditions. The methods can include delivering a cooling fluid in a cooling fluid circuit to the enclosed space, wherein the cooling fluid circuit can be connected to the water flow path of the LAMEE, and providing cooling to the enclosed space with the cooling fluid and without moving air from the enclosed space through the cooling system. The cooling fluid in the cooling fluid circuit can be the reduced-temperature water from the LAMEE or a coolant cooled with the reduced-temperature water. Cooling the enclosed space can include air cooling of the air in the enclosed space or direct contact of the cooling fluid with one or more electrical components in the enclosed space.

The present disclosure includes methods of operating a conditioning system, having at least one cooling system, to provide cooling to one or more devices that are not contained in an enclosed space, but rather the one or more devices can be open to the atmosphere. The methods can include producing reduced-temperature water with a LAMEE, as described above, and delivering reduced-temperature water or coolant to the one or more devices to be cooled. The method can include cooling the one or more devices directly with the reduced-temperature water or coolant, or circulating the reduced-temperature water or coolant through a heat exchanger inside the device to cool a second fluid circulating through the heat exchanger.

The methods above of operating a conditioning system can include storing the reduced-temperature water in a tank after the water exits the LAMEE. The methods can include providing additional cooling to the water in the tank prior to using the water to provide cooling to the enclosed space or device, using, for example, a DX coil inside the tank. The methods can include directing the reduced-temperature water from the LAMEE through a liquid to liquid heat exchanger (LLHX) to decrease a temperature of a coolant in the cooling fluid circuit and delivering the reduced-temperature coolant to the enclosed space or to the device.

The methods can include operating a cooling system of the conditioning system in different modes depending on at least one of the outdoor air conditions and a setpoint temperature of the water or coolant to be delivered to the enclosed space or device. The methods can include operating the cooling system in an economizer mode in which the scavenger air and the water can bypass the LAMEE and cooling of the water can be performed by a dry coil arranged insider the scavenger air plenum. The methods can include operating the cooling system in an enhanced mode and directing the scavenger air through a pre-cooling unit arranged in the scavenger air plenum upstream of the LAMEE to condition the scavenger air prior to directing the scavenger air through the LAMEE.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other as long as they fall within the scope of the protection of the invention which is defined by appended claims only.

Further, the code can be tangibly stored on one or more volatile or non-volatile tangible computer-readable media, such as during execution or at other times.

Modules may be hardware, software, or firmware communicatively coupled to one or more processors in order to carry out the operations described herein. Modules may hardware modules, and as such modules may be considered tangible entities capable of performing specified operations and may be configured or arranged in a certain manner. In an example, the software may reside on a machine-readable medium. Accordingly, the term hardware module is understood to encompass a tangible entity, be that an entity that is physically constructed, specifically configured (e.g., hardwired), or temporarily (e.g., transitorily) configured (e.g., programmed) to operate in a specified manner or to perform part or all of any operation described herein. For example, where the modules comprise a general-purpose hardware processor configured using software; the general-purpose hardware processor may be configured as respective different modules at different times. Modules may also be software or firmware modules, which operate to perform the methodologies described herein.

Claim 1:
Air conditioning system (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for controlling conditions in an enclosed space (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the conditioning system comprising:
a first cooling system (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to be disposed outside of the enclosed space (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the first cooling system comprising:
a scavenger air plenum (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) having an air inlet (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and an air outlet (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the plenum configured to direct scavenger air in an air flow path from the air inlet to the air outlet;
a liquid to air membrane energy exchanger, LAMEE (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), arranged inside the plenum (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the LAMEE comprising a water flow path separated from the air flow path by a membrane, the LAMEE configured to use the scavenger air to reduce a temperature of water in the water flow path;
a cooling unit (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) arranged inside the plenum (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) downstream of the LAMEE (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and configured to use the scavenger air to cool the water; and
a second cooling system (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to be disposed inside the enclosed space (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); and
a cooling fluid circuit connected to the water flow path of the LAMEE (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and to the second cooling system (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the cooling fluid circuit providing cooling to the enclosed space (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) without moving air from the enclosed space through the first cooling system (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>).