Method and apparatus for preventing cracking in a liquid cooling system

Abstract

An apparatus for preventing cracking of a liquid system includes an enclosure and one or more compressible objects immersed in the enclosure. According to the present invention, the enclosure is configured to cause a fluid to begin to freeze at a location in the enclosure, and for freezing to advance towards the one or more compressible objects.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This patent application is a continuation-in-part of the co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 049,202, filed on Feb. 1, 2005, and titled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING FREEZING NUCLEATION AND PROPAGATION,” which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of the U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 577,262, filed on Jun. 4, 2004, and titled “MULTIPLE COOLING TECHNIQUES,” both of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Also, this patent application is a continuation-in-part of the co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 643,641, filed on Aug. 18, 2003, and titled “REMEDIES TO PREVENT CRACKING IN A LIQUID SYSTEM,” which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of the U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 444,269, filed on Jan. 31, 2003, and titled “REMEDIES FOR FREEZING IN CLOSED-LOOP LIQUID COOLING FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides an apparatus and method for preventing cracking of a liquid cooling system due to freezing. The invention involves designing the system with multiple zones of different freeze susceptibilities and utilizing compressible objects or flexible objects to protect against expansion of water-based solutions when frozen. The system includes an enclosure and a compressible object, which can be a pressure relief area or a micro-structured heat exchange region. The method involves configuring the system with multiple zones of different surface area to volume ratios and providing an enclosure fluidly coupled to the system at a zone other than the highest surface area to volume ratio zone. The technical effects of the invention include preventing cracking of components and pipes of a liquid cooling system and ensuring safe operation during freezing conditions."

Problems solved by technology

Water that has frozen in pipes or other confined spaces does more than simply clog the pipes and block flow.

When freezing occurs in a confined space like a steel pipe, the ice will expand and exert extreme pressure which is often enough to crack the pipe and cause serious damage.

This phenomenon is a common failure mode in hot-water heating systems and automotive cooling systems.

Rather, following a complete ice blockage in a pipe, continued freezing and expansion inside the pipe can cause water pressure to increase downstream.

The increase in water pressure leads to pipe failure and / or cracking.

Liquid cooling systems for electronic devices are occasionally subjected to sub-freezing environments during shipping, storage, or in use.

Additives, such as antifreeze, are potentially poisonous and flammable and can damage mechanical components, sensitive sensors, and electronics, which is why pure or substantially pure water is typically the coolant of choice.

Images