Pump assembly for a channel system

Abstract

The invention relates to a pump assembly for a channel system having at least one channel for guiding a medium, having at least one internal channel in which at least one MHD module is arranged, which is a pump module, an evaluation and control unit which actuates the pump module, an electrode arrangement of the pump module guiding an electric current provided by the evaluation and control unit through the medium inside the corresponding internal channel, a Lorentz force being generated by interaction with a magnetic field generated by a magnetic device, which sucks a portion of the medium through an inlet opening of the corresponding internal channel, accelerates it purposefully inside the corresponding internal channel and discharges it again through an outlet opening, a pressure difference being generated between a channel section in the region of the inlet opening of the at least one internal channel and a channel section in the region of the outlet opening of the at least one internal channel, which generates a volume flow of the medium in the channel outside the at least one internal channel, and to a tempering assembly having the pump assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to pump assemblies for channel systems. The subject matter of this invention also includes temperature-regulating assemblies for at least one object to be temperature-regulated, having at least one such pump assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) is a subfield of physics. It describes the behavior of conductive fluids that are penetrated by magnetic and electric fields. In a narrower sense, MHD deals with liquids, particularly ionic volumes, which are described as fluids within the MHD framework. Typical applications of MHD include flow control and flow measurement in metallurgy and semiconductor single crystal growth. For example, in metallurgy, magnetic fields can be used to influence the flow of liquid metals such as steel or aluminum. In applications, it is important to distinguish between static magnetic fields and time-varying magnetic fields. Static, i.e., magnetic fields that do not change with time, cause turbulence to decay and are therefore used, for example, in the continuous casting of steel as magnetic brakes. Time-varying magnetic fields are used, for example, in the casting of aluminum for electromagnetic supports.

[0003] A temperature control component for a microelectronic system and a microelectronic system having such a temperature control component are known from document DE 10 2021 210 606 A1. The temperature control component has a closed channel system and a magnetohydrodynamic pump. The channel system includes at least one channel for guiding a conductive and thermally conductive medium and is thermally coupled to at least one object of the microelectronic system to be temperature-controlled. The magnetohydrodynamic pump has multiple magnetohydrodynamic modules, each having an electrode assembly with two electrodes and a magnetic device for generating a magnetic field. At least two magnetohydrodynamic modules are designed as pump modules and are electrically connected in series. In the pump module, the first electrode of the electrode assembly introduces a current with a preset current density into at least one channel section of a conductive and thermally conductive medium, and the second electrode of the electrode assembly extracts the current from the conductive and thermally conductive medium in at least one channel section. This interaction between the conductive and thermally conductive medium guided in the closed channel system and the introduced current and the generated magnetic field produces a Lorentz force. This Lorentz force specifically accelerates the conductive and thermally conductive medium in at least one channel section, and the resulting pressure increase causes a desired volumetric flow rate of the conductive and thermally conductive medium through at least one channel of the closed channel system. This volumetric flow rate of the conductive and thermally conductive medium results in temperature regulation of at least one object to be regulated, wherein the conductive and thermally conductive medium transfers heat to at least one object to be regulated during a heating process or absorbs heat from at least one object to be regulated during a cooling process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The pump assembly for a channel system having the features of independent claim 1 has the advantage that it can generate a small pressure differential but still deliver a large volume.

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention provide a pump assembly for a channel system having at least one channel for guiding a conductive medium. The pump assembly has at least one internal channel and at least one evaluation and control unit, the internal channel being arranged within the channel of the channel system. At least one MHD module having at least one magnetic device and an electrode device is arranged within the at least one internal channel. The at least one MHD module is configured as a magnetohydrodynamic pump module. The at least one evaluation and control unit is configured to operate the at least one magnetohydrodynamic pump module. Here, the electrode device of the at least one magnetohydrodynamic pump module is configured to guide a current provided by the at least one evaluation and control unit through the conductive medium within the corresponding internal channel, thereby generating a Lorentz force through interaction with a magnetic field generated by the at least one magnetic device. This Lorentz force draws in a portion of the conductive medium through the inlet opening of the corresponding internal channel, selectively accelerates this portion of the medium within the corresponding internal channel, and discharges this portion of the medium again through the outlet opening. The pressure difference generated between a first channel section in the region of the inlet opening of the at least one internal channel and a second channel section in the region of the outlet opening of the at least one internal channel generates a desired volumetric flow rate of the conductive medium outside the at least one internal channel within the at least one channel of the channel system.

[0006] Furthermore, a temperature control assembly for at least one object to be temperature controlled is proposed, having at least one heat exchanger, a channel system, and at least one of the pump assemblies, wherein the channel system includes at least one channel and is thermally coupled to at least one object to be temperature controlled and at least one heat exchanger.

[0007] In an embodiment of the invention, preferably, a plurality of MHD modules configured as magnetohydrodynamic pump modules are arranged in at least one internal channel. Here, the MHD modules configured as magnetohydrodynamic pump modules can be electrically connected in series or in parallel. Of course, the plurality of MHD modules can also be connected in a mixed manner electrically, such that, for example, two electrically connected MHD modules can be electrically connected in parallel with at least one MHD module. Furthermore, the plurality of MHD modules configured as magnetohydrodynamic pump modules can be fluidly connected in series or in parallel. In the case of fluid series connection, each MHD module is arranged sequentially in its corresponding internal channel. In the case of fluid parallel connection, at least two MHD modules are arranged side-by-side in their corresponding internal channels. Of course, the plurality of MHD modules can also be fluidly connected in a mixed manner. Furthermore, the MHD modules configured as magnetohydrodynamic pump modules can be magnetically connected in series or in parallel. Of course, the plurality of MHD modules can also be magnetically connected in a mixed manner. By connecting multiple MHD modules configured as magnetohydrodynamic pump modules in series both electrically and fluidically, electrical efficiency can be improved and EMV problems reduced. In this case, the series connection of at least two MHD modules generates a pressure that gradually increases with each pump module in the conductive medium of the corresponding internal channel, which drives the volumetric flow rate through the internal channel.

[0008] The magnetohydrodynamic pump module is understood below as a structural unit in which a first electrode of an electrode device introduces a current with a preset current density into a conductive medium in at least one internal channel, and a second electrode of the electrode device extracts the current from the conductive medium in at least one internal channel. This interaction between the conductive medium guided in the internal channel, the introduced current, and the magnetic field generated by the magnetic device produces a Lorentz force, which specifically accelerates the conductive medium in at least one internal channel. When the current directions are reversed, the second electrode of the electrode device introduces a current with a preset current density into the conductive medium in at least one internal channel, and the first electrode of the electrode device extracts the current from the conductive medium in at least one segment of the internal channel. When the current directions are reversed, the conductive medium accelerates in opposite directions in at least one internal channel.

[0009] In the following text, a conductive medium is understood to be a medium having a conductivity greater than 1 S / m (Siemens per meter). For example, conductive liquids, such as coolants or brine, can be used as the conductive medium. The conductive medium can transfer heat to at least one object to be heated during the heating process. Alternatively, the conductive medium can absorb heat from at least one object to be heated during the cooling process.

[0010] Currently, the evaluation and control unit can be understood as an electronic circuit or electronic component, such as an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) component, which processes or evaluates detected sensor signals and outputs corresponding control signals to, for example, generate a current with a preset current density to achieve the generation of a Lorentz force. The evaluation and control unit may have at least one interface, which can be configured in a hardware and / or software manner. In a hardware configuration, the interface may, for example, be part of a so-called system ASIC, containing various functions of the evaluation and control unit. However, the interface may also be a separate integrated circuit or at least partially composed of discrete components. In a software configuration, the interface may be a software module, for example, existing on a microcontroller along with other software modules.

[0011] The pump assembly for the channel system given in independent claim 1 and the temperature control assembly for at least one object to be temperature-controlled, as set forth in the dependent claims, can be advantageously improved by the measures and improvements listed in the dependent claims.

[0012] Particularly advantageously, each of the multiple internal channels has at least one magnetohydrodynamic pump module, and the multiple internal channels can be housed within a surrounding flange that protrudes inwardly from the wall of at least one channel of the channel system. Here, the multiple internal channels can be arranged parallel to each other, thereby generating uniform flow in the subsequent channel sections of at least one channel of the channel system. Alternatively, the multiple internal channels can each have an inward inclination, thereby creating a convergence point in the subsequent channel sections of at least one channel of the channel system where the flows of the various internal channels intersect. As another alternative, the multiple internal channels can each have an outward inclination, thereby generating turbulence in the subsequent channel sections of at least one channel of the channel system.

[0013] In an alternative design for the pump assembly, at least one internal channel can be centrally located within at least one channel of the channel system.

[0014] In another advantageous design of the pump assembly, the electrode device of at least one magnetohydrodynamic pump module may include two electrodes, wherein the first electrode introduces a current with a preset current density into a conductive medium in a corresponding internal channel, and the second electrode extracts the current from the conductive medium in a corresponding internal channel.

[0015] In another advantageous design of the pump assembly, at least one MHD module can be configured as a magnetohydrodynamic sensor module, comprising at least one magnetic device and an electrode device. Here, the electrode device of the at least one magnetohydrodynamic sensor module can be configured to detect the current between two electrodes and transmit this current to at least one evaluation and control unit. The at least one evaluation and control unit can also be configured to determine the corresponding flow rate of the conductive medium in the corresponding internal channel by evaluating the current. This current can be caused by the interaction between the volumetric flow rate of the conductive medium through the corresponding internal channel and the magnetic field generated by the at least one magnetic device. Since the current is proportional to the flow rate, the flow rate can also be adjusted to optimally cool or heat the object to be heated. By utilizing the change in conductivity of the conductive medium with temperature to measure the temperature, the temperature can be dynamically and specifically adjusted. Here, at least one magnetohydrodynamic pump module can be briefly shut down to determine the conductivity of the conductive medium, for example, by measuring a bridge, thereby measuring the temperature. Alternatively, at least one MHD module can be configured to be switchable, operating as a magnetohydrodynamic pump module in a first operating mode and as a sensor module in a second operating mode. Here, the first operating mode can correspond to the pumping operation, and the second operating mode can correspond to the measurement operation.

[0016] In another advantageous design of the pump assembly, the two electrodes of each electrode device can be positioned such that the current flows perpendicular to the generated magnetic field.

[0017] In another advantageous design of the pump assembly, at least one magnetic device may include at least one magnet, which may be configured as a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. By using at least one permanent magnet, a static magnetic field can be simply provided. By using at least one electromagnet, which includes at least one coil structure, a time-varying magnetic field can be provided. When configured as a permanent magnet, the evaluation and control unit can selectively adjust the Lorentz force generated in the corresponding internal channel and the desired volumetric flow rate of the conductive medium by the supplied current. When configured as an electromagnet, the evaluation and control unit can additionally or alternatively selectively adjust the Lorentz force generated in the corresponding internal channel and the desired volumetric flow rate of the conductive medium by the magnetic field provided by the magnetic device.

[0018] In an advantageous design of the temperature-regulating assembly, at least one heat exchanger can be configured as a heat sink or heat source. Here, the conductive medium can absorb waste heat from at least one object to be temperature-regulated during cooling operations and transfer that waste heat to at least one heat exchanger configured as a heat sink, or absorb heat from at least one heat exchanger configured as a heat source during heating operations and transfer that heat to at least one object to be temperature-regulated. The at least one object to be temperature-regulated can be an electrical component, such as a power semiconductor, integrated circuit, etc.

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and will be explained in detail in the following description. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote parts or elements that perform the same or similar functions. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a section of an embodiment of a channel system for a temperature-regulating assembly according to the invention is shown, the channel system having a first embodiment of a pump assembly according to the invention for the channel system.

[0021] Figure 2 The channel system is shown along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of section line II-II in the diagram.

[0022] Figure 3 The channel system is shown along Figure 1 The schematic cross-sectional view of section line II-II shows a second embodiment of the channel system having a pump assembly according to the invention for use in the channel system.

[0023] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a section of a channel system for a temperature control assembly according to the present invention, the channel system having a third embodiment of a pump assembly according to the present invention for the channel system.

[0024] Figure 5 It shows the use of Figures 1 to 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the MHD module of the pump assembly according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, the illustrated embodiment of the pump assembly 10 according to the invention for the channel system 1 includes at least one internal channel 12 and at least one evaluation and control unit 14. The channel system has at least one channel 3 for guiding the conductive medium 5, and the internal channel is arranged in the channel 3 of the channel system 1. At least one MHD module 20 is arranged in the at least one internal channel 12, which has at least one magnetic device 24 and an electrode device 22. The at least one MHD module 20 is configured as a magnetohydrodynamic pump module 20A. The at least one evaluation and control unit 14 is configured to operate the at least one magnetohydrodynamic pump module 20A. Here, the electrode device 22 of at least one magnetohydrodynamic pump module 20A is configured to guide the current provided by at least one evaluation and control unit 14 through the conductive medium 5 inside the corresponding internal channel 12, thereby generating a Lorentz force through interaction with the magnetic field generated by at least one magnetic device 24. This Lorentz force draws a portion of the conductive medium 5 through the inlet opening 12.1 of the corresponding internal channel 12, selectively accelerates this portion of the medium inside the corresponding internal channel 12, and discharges this portion of the medium again through the outlet opening 12.2. The pressure difference generated between the first channel section 3A in the region of the inlet opening 12.1 of at least one internal channel 12 and the second channel section 3B in the region of the outlet opening 12.2 of at least one internal channel 12 generates a desired volumetric flow rate of the conductive medium 5 outside the at least one internal channel 12 in at least one channel 3 of the channel system 1.

[0026] The shown section of channel system 1 is part of a temperature-regulating assembly according to the invention for at least one object to be temperature-regulated (not shown in detail), which includes at least one heat exchanger (not shown in detail). Channel system 1 is thermally coupled to at least one object to be temperature-regulated and at least one heat exchanger, and includes at least one channel 3 and at least one pump assembly 10 according to the invention.

[0027] At least one heat exchanger is configured as a heat sink or heat source. Here, in cooling operation, the conductive medium 5 absorbs waste heat from at least one object to be temperature-controlled and transfers it to at least one heat exchanger configured as a heat sink. In heating operation, the conductive medium 5 absorbs heat from at least one heat exchanger configured as a heat source and transfers it to at least one object to be temperature-controlled. The at least one object to be temperature-controlled is, for example, an electrical component.

[0028] like Figure 1 and Figure 4As also shown, in the illustrated embodiment of the pump assembly 10, two MHD modules 20 are respectively arranged between the inlet opening 12.1 and the outlet opening 12.2 of at least one internal channel 12. Here, the first MHD module 20 is configured as a magnetohydrodynamic pump module 20A, and the second MHD module 20 is configured as a magnetohydrodynamic sensor module 20B. Of course, multiple MHD modules 20 configured as magnetohydrodynamic pump modules 20A can also be arranged in at least one internal channel 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the MHD modules 2 are connected in parallel electrically and in series fluidly and magnetically. Of course, the two MHD modules 20 can also have other electrical, fluid, and magnetic connection methods. For example, the two MHD modules 20 can also be connected in series electrically.

[0029] like Figure 5 As also shown, each MHD module 20 in the illustrated embodiment includes a magnetic device 24 and an electrode device 22. Here, the electrode device 22 includes two electrodes 22A and 22B, respectively, and the magnetic device 24 includes a magnet 26, which is configured as a permanent magnet in the illustrated embodiment. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the magnet 26 is configured as an electromagnet, which is controlled by the evaluation and control unit 14. The two electrodes 22A and 22B of each electrode device 22 are positioned such that the current flows perpendicular to the generated magnetic field when the MHD module 20 is configured as a magnetohydrodynamic pump module 20A and when the MHD module 20 is configured as a magnetohydrodynamic sensor module 20B.

[0030] When the MHD module 20 is configured as a magnetohydrodynamic pump module 20A, the first electrode 22A introduces a current with a preset current density into the conductive medium 5 in the corresponding internal channel 12, and the second electrode 22B extracts the current from the conductive medium 5 in the corresponding internal channel 12.

[0031] When the MHD module 20 is configured as a magnetohydrodynamic sensor module 20B, the current between the two electrodes 22A and 22B is detected and transmitted to the evaluation and control unit 14. In this case, the current is caused by the interaction between the volumetric flow rate of the conductive medium 5 through the corresponding internal channel 12 and the magnetic field generated by the magnetic device 24. The evaluation and control unit 14 is also configured to determine the corresponding flow rate of the conductive medium 5 in the corresponding internal channel 12 by evaluating the current.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 3As also shown, in the illustrated embodiment of the pump assembly 10, a plurality of internal channels 12 each have two MHD modules 20, and the plurality of internal channels are placed in a surrounding flange 16 that protrudes inwardly from the wall of at least one channel 3 of the channel system 1. In the illustrated embodiment, sixteen internal channels 12 are respectively placed in the surrounding flange 16. In an alternative embodiment of the pump assembly 10 (not shown), more or fewer than ten internal channels 12 may be placed in the surrounding flange 16.

[0033] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As also shown, in the first embodiment of the pump assembly 10A, a plurality of internal channels 12 are arranged in parallel to each other, thereby generating uniform flow in the subsequent channel section 3B of at least one channel 3 of the channel system 1.

[0034] like Figure 3 As also shown, in the second embodiment of the pump assembly 10B, the plurality of internal channels 12 are each inclined inward, thereby creating a convergence point in the subsequent channel segment 3B of at least one channel 3 of the channel system 1, where the flows of the various internal channels 12 intersect.

[0035] In an alternative embodiment of the pump assembly 10 (not shown), a plurality of internal channels 12 are each inclined outward, thereby generating turbulence in a subsequent channel segment 3B of at least one channel 3 of the channel system 1.

[0036] like Figure 4 As also shown, in the third embodiment of the pump assembly 10C, an internal channel 12 is centrally arranged in at least one channel 3 of the channel system 1. Of course, it is also possible for a group of internal channels 12 to be centrally arranged in at least one channel 3 of the channel system 1.

[0037] like Figures 1 to 4 As also shown, the channel section 3B of the channel 3 arranged after the pump assembly 10 is widened compared to the channel section 3A of the channel 3 arranged before the pump assembly 10, in order to achieve better convection.

Claims

1. A pump assembly (10) for a channel system (1), the channel system having at least one channel (3) for guiding a conductive medium (5), the pump assembly including at least one internal channel (12) and at least one evaluation and control unit (14), the at least one internal channel being arranged in the channel (3) of the channel system (1), wherein, At least one MHD module (20) is arranged in at least one internal channel (12), the at least one MHD module having at least one magnetic device (24) and an electrode device (22), wherein at least one MHD module (20) is configured as a magnetohydrodynamic pump module (20A), wherein at least one evaluation and control unit (14) is configured to operate at least one magnetohydrodynamic pump module (20A), wherein the electrode device (22) of at least one magnetohydrodynamic pump module (20A) is configured to guide the current provided by at least one evaluation and control unit (14) through the conductive medium (5) within the corresponding internal channel (12), thereby through the current generated by at least one magnetic device (24). The interaction of magnetic fields generates a Lorentz force, which draws in a portion of the conductive medium (5) through the inlet opening (12.1) of the corresponding internal channel (12), specifically accelerates this portion of the medium inside the corresponding internal channel (12), and discharges this portion of the medium again through the outlet opening (12.2). As a result, the pressure difference generated between the first channel section (3A) in the region of the inlet opening (12.1) of the at least one internal channel (12) and the second channel section (3B) in the region of the outlet opening (12.2) of the at least one internal channel (12) generates the desired volumetric flow rate of the conductive medium (5) in at least one channel (3) of the channel system (1) outside the at least one internal channel (12).

2. The pump assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple internal channels (12) each have at least one magnetohydrodynamic pump module (20A), the multiple internal channels (12) being placed in a surrounding flange (16) that protrudes inward from the wall of at least one channel (3) of the channel system (1).

3. The pump assembly (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, Multiple internal channels (12) are arranged in parallel to each other, thereby enabling uniform flow in the subsequent channel section (3B) of at least one channel (3) of the channel system (1).

4. The pump assembly (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, Multiple internal channels (12) are inclined inward, thereby creating a convergence point in the subsequent channel section (3B) of at least one channel (3) of the channel system (1), where the flows of each internal channel (12) intersect.

5. The pump assembly (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, Multiple internal channels (12) are inclined outward, thereby generating turbulence in the subsequent channel section (3B) of at least one channel (3) of the channel system (1).

6. The pump assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one internal channel (12) is centrally located in at least one channel (3) of the channel system (1).

7. The pump assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The electrode device (22) of the at least one magnetohydrodynamic pump module (20A) includes two electrodes (22A, 22B). The first electrode (22A) introduces a current with a preset current density into the conductive medium (5) in the corresponding internal channel (12), and the second electrode (22B) extracts the current from the conductive medium (5) in the corresponding internal channel (12).

8. The pump assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, At least one MHD module (20) is configured as a magnetohydrodynamic sensor module (20A), which includes at least one magnetic device (24) and an electrode device (22).

9. The pump assembly (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The electrode device (22) of the at least one magnetohydrodynamic sensor module (20B) is configured to detect the current between two electrodes (22A, 22B) and transmit the current to the at least one evaluation and control unit (14), wherein the current is caused by the interaction between the volumetric flow rate of the conductive medium (5) through the corresponding internal channel (12) and the magnetic field generated by the at least one magnetic device (24).

10. The pump assembly (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The at least one evaluation and control unit (14) is also configured to determine the corresponding flow rate of the conductive medium (5) in the corresponding internal channel (12) by evaluating the current.

11. The pump assembly (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that, The two electrodes (22A, 22B) of each electrode device (22) are positioned such that the current flows perpendicular to the generated magnetic field.

12. The pump assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The at least one magnetic device (24) includes at least one magnet (26), which is configured as a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

13. A temperature control assembly for at least one object to be temperature controlled, the temperature control assembly having at least one heat exchanger, a channel system (1) and at least one pump assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the channel system comprising at least one channel (3) and thermally coupled to the at least one object to be temperature controlled and the at least one heat exchanger.

14. The temperature regulating component according to claim 13, characterized in that, The at least one heat exchanger is configured as a heat sink or heat source, wherein the conductive medium (5) absorbs waste heat from the at least one object to be regulated during cooling operation and delivers the waste heat to the at least one heat exchanger configured as a heat sink, or absorbs heat from the at least one heat exchanger configured as a heat source during heating operation and delivers the heat to the at least one object to be regulated.

15. The temperature regulating component according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The at least one object to be temperature-controlled is an electrical component.

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