Pump arrangement for a canal system

Abstract

The invention relates to a pump arrangement (10) for a channel system (1) which has at least one channel (3) for guiding a medium (5), with at least one inner channel (12) and an evaluation and control unit (14), wherein at least one MHD module (20) is arranged in the at least one inner channel (12), wherein one MHD module (20) is designed as a pump module (20A), wherein the evaluation and control unit (14) controls the pump module (20A), wherein an electrode device (22) of the pump module (20A) conducts a current provided by the evaluation and control unit (14) within the corresponding inner channel (12) through the medium (5), so that, in conjunction with a magnetic field generated by a magnetic device (24), a Lorentz force is created which draws a portion of the medium (5) through an inlet opening (12).1) of the corresponding inner channel (12), is drawn in, is selectively accelerated within the corresponding inner channel (12) and is expelled again via an outlet opening (12.2), so that a resulting pressure difference between a channel section (3A) in the area of ​​the inlet opening (12.1) of the at least one inner channel (12) and a channel section (3B) in the area of ​​the outlet opening (12.2) of the at least one inner channel (12) generates a volume flow of the medium (5) in the channel (3) outside the at least one inner channel (12), as well as a temperature control arrangement with such a pump arrangement (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a pump arrangement for a channel system. The present invention also relates to a temperature control arrangement for at least one object to be temperature controlled, comprising at least one such pump arrangement.

[0002] Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) is a subfield of physics. It describes the behavior of electrically conductive fluids that are penetrated by magnetic and electric fields. Magnetohydrodynamics in the narrower sense deals with liquids, especially plasmas, which are described as fluids within the framework of MHD. Typical applications of magnetohydrodynamics include flow control and flow measurement in metallurgy and semiconductor single-crystal growth. In metallurgy, for example, magnetic fields can be used to influence the flow of liquid metals, such as steel or aluminum. A distinction is made between static and time-dependent magnetic fields. Static, i.e., time-independent, magnetic fields dampen turbulence and are therefore used, for example, in the form of magnetic brakes in the continuous casting of steel.Time-dependent magnetic fields are used, for example, for electromagnetic support during the casting of aluminum.

[0003] From DE 10 2021 210 606 A1, a temperature control arrangement for a microelectronic system and a microelectronic system with such a temperature control arrangement are known. The temperature control arrangement comprises a closed channel system, which includes at least one channel for guiding an electrically and thermally conductive medium and is thermally coupled to at least one object of the microelectronic system to be temperature controlled, and a magnetohydrodynamic pump with several magnetohydrodynamic modules, each of which has an electrode device with two electrodes and a magnet device that generates a magnetic field. At least two magnetohydrodynamic modules are designed as pump modules and are electrically connected in series.In the pump modules, a first electrode of the electrode device introduces an electric current flow with a predetermined current density into the electrically and thermally conductive medium at at least one channel section, and a second electrode of the electrode device conducts the electric current flow out of the electrically and thermally conductive medium at the at least one channel section, so that an interaction of the electrically and thermally conductive medium guided in the closed channel system with the introduced electric current flow and with the generated magnetic field produces a Lorentz force, which selectively accelerates the electrically and thermally conductive medium in the at least one channel section, and a resulting pressure build-up causes a desired volume flow of the electrically and thermally conductive medium through the at least one channel of the closed channel system.The volume flow of the electrically and thermally conductive medium causes the temperature of the at least one object to be temperature controlled, wherein the electrically and thermally conductive medium transfers heat to the at least one object to be temperature controlled during a heating process or absorbs heat from the at least one object to be temperature controlled during a cooling process. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] The pump arrangement for a canal system, with the features of independent claim 1, has the advantage that a small pressure difference can be generated and yet a large volume can be transported.

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention provide a pump arrangement for a channel system, which has at least one channel for guiding an electrically conductive medium, with at least one inner channel arranged within a channel of the channel system, and at least one evaluation and control unit. At least one MHD module with at least one magnet device and one electrode device is arranged in the at least one inner channel. At least one MHD module is configured as a magnetohydrodynamic pump module. The at least one evaluation and control unit is configured to control the at least one magnetohydrodynamic pump module. The electrode device of the at least one magnetohydrodynamic pump module is configured to conduct an electric current provided by the at least one evaluation and control unit through the electrically conductive medium within the corresponding inner channel.so that, through interaction with a magnetic field generated by the at least one magnetic device, a Lorentz force is created which draws in a portion of the electrically conductive medium through an inlet opening of the corresponding inner channel, accelerates it selectively within the corresponding inner channel, and expels it again through an outlet opening, so that a resulting pressure difference between a first channel section in the region of the inlet opening of the at least one inner channel and a second channel section in the region of the outlet opening of the at least one inner channel generates a desired volume flow of the electrically conductive medium in the at least one channel of the channel system outside the at least one inner channel.

[0006] Furthermore, a temperature control arrangement for at least one object to be temperature controlled, with at least one heat exchanger, a duct system comprising at least one duct and thermally coupled to the at least one object to be temperature controlled and the at least one heat exchanger, and at least one such pump arrangement is proposed.

[0007] In embodiments of the invention, several MHD modules designed as magnetohydrodynamic pump modules are preferably arranged in the at least one inner channel. These MHD modules can be electrically connected in series or in parallel. Of course, hybrid configurations of the electrical connection of several MHD modules are also possible; for example, two MHD modules connected in series can be connected in parallel to at least one other MHD module. Furthermore, the multiple MHD modules designed as magnetohydrodynamic pump modules can be fluidically connected in series or in parallel. In the fluidic series connection, the individual MHD modules are arranged one behind the other in the corresponding inner channel. In the fluidic series connection, at least two MHD modules are arranged side by side in the corresponding inner channel.Naturally, hybrid configurations are also possible when multiple MHD modules are connected fluidically. Furthermore, the MHD modules, designed as magnetohydrodynamic pump modules, can be magnetically connected in series or in parallel. Naturally, hybrid configurations are also possible when multiple MHD modules are connected magnetically. By connecting several MHD modules designed as magnetohydrodynamic pump modules in series, both electrically and fluidically, the electrical efficiency can be increased and EMC problems can be reduced. In this case, the series connection of at least two MHD modules generates a pressure in the electrically conductive medium of the corresponding inner channel that increases with each pump module, driving the volume flow through the inner channel.

[0008] A magnetohydrodynamic pump module is understood below to be a component in which a first electrode of the electrode device introduces an electric current flow with a predetermined current density into the electrically conductive medium in the at least one inner channel, and a second electrode of the electrode device guides the electric current flow out of the electrically conductive medium in the at least one inner channel, such that an interaction of the electrically conductive medium guided in the inner channel with the introduced electric current flow and with the magnetic field generated by the magnet device produces a Lorentz force which selectively accelerates the electrically conductive medium in the at least one inner channel.With reversed current direction, the second electrode of the electrode device introduces the electric current flow with a predetermined current density into the electrically conductive medium in the at least one inner channel, and the first electrode of the electrode device conducts the electric current flow out of the electrically conductive medium in the at least one inner channel section. With this reversed current direction, the electrically conductive medium in the at least one inner channel is accelerated in the opposite direction.

[0009] In the following, an electrically conductive medium is defined as a medium with an electrical conductivity greater than 1 S / m (Siemens per meter). Examples of electrically conductive media include electrically conductive liquids such as coolants, salt water, etc. During a heating process, the electrically conductive medium can transfer heat to the object being cooled. Alternatively, during a cooling process, the electrically conductive medium can absorb heat from the object being cooled.

[0010] The evaluation and control unit can be understood as an electronic circuit or component, such as an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit), which processes and evaluates acquired sensor signals and outputs corresponding control signals to, for example, generate an electric current with a predetermined current density to produce the Lorentz force. The evaluation and control unit can have at least one interface, which can be implemented in hardware and / or software. In the case of a hardware implementation, the interfaces can, for example, be part of a so-called system ASIC, which incorporates various functions of the evaluation and control unit. However, it is also possible for the interfaces to be separate integrated circuits or to consist at least partially of discrete components.In software-based training, the interfaces can be software modules that are present, for example, on a microcontroller alongside other software modules.

[0011] The measures and further developments listed in the dependent claims enable advantageous improvements to the pump arrangement for a channel system specified in independent claim 1 and to the temperature control arrangement for at least one object to be temperature controlled specified in independent claim 13.

[0012] A particular advantage is that several inner channels, each with at least one magnetohydrodynamic pump module, can be incorporated into a circumferential collar that projects inwards from a wall of the at least one channel of the channel system. The several inner channels can be arranged parallel to one another, so that a homogeneous flow can be generated in a subsequent channel section of the at least one channel of the channel system. Alternatively, the several inner channels can each have an inward slope, so that a spot point can be generated in a subsequent channel section of the at least one channel of the channel system, at which the flows of the individual inner channels intersect. As a further alternative, the several inner channels can each have an outward slope, so that a turbulent flow can be generated in a subsequent channel section of the at least one channel of the channel system.

[0013] In an alternative configuration of the pump arrangement, the at least one inner channel can be arranged centrally in the at least one channel of the channel system.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment of the pump arrangement, the electrode device of the at least one magnetohydrodynamic pump module can comprise two electrodes, of which a first electrode introduces an electric current flow with a predetermined current density into the electrically conductive medium within the corresponding inner channel, and a second electrode directs the electric current flow out of the electrically conductive medium within the corresponding channel.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment of the pump arrangement, at least one MHD module can be configured as a magnetohydrodynamic sensor module, comprising at least one magnet device and one electrode device. The electrode device of the at least one magnetohydrodynamic sensor module can be configured to detect an electric current flow between the two electrodes and transmit it to the at least one evaluation and control unit. The at least one evaluation and control unit can further be configured to determine a corresponding flow velocity of the electrically conductive medium in the corresponding inner channel by evaluating the electric current. The electric current flow can be caused by the interaction of the volumetric flow rate of the electrically conductive medium through the corresponding inner channel with a magnetic field generated by the at least one magnet device.Since the electrical current is proportional to the flow rate, flow rate control is also possible to optimally cool or heat the object being cooled. Dynamic and targeted temperature control is achievable by measuring the temperature of the electrically conductive medium and utilizing its temperature dependence on electrical conductivity. For temperature measurement, at least one magnetohydrodynamic pump module can be briefly deactivated to determine the conductivity of the electrically conductive medium, for example, via a measuring bridge. Alternatively, at least one MHD module can be switchable, operating in a first mode as a magnetohydrodynamic pump module and in a second mode as a sensor module. The first mode can correspond to pump operation, and the second to measurement operation.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment of the pump arrangement, the two electrodes of the individual electrode devices can be positioned so that the electric current flow is perpendicular to the generated magnetic field.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment of the pump arrangement, the at least one magnetic device can comprise at least one magnet, which can be designed as a permanent magnet or as an electromagnet. A static magnetic field can be easily provided by using at least one permanent magnet. A time-varying magnetic field can be provided by using at least one electromagnet, which comprises at least one coil structure. In the permanent magnet configuration, the evaluation and control unit can selectively adjust the resulting Lorentz force in the corresponding inner channel and the desired volumetric flow rate of the electrically conductive medium via the supplied electric current.When implemented as an electromagnet, the evaluation and control unit can additionally or alternatively adjust the resulting Lorentz force in the corresponding inner channel and the desired volume flow of the electrically conductive medium via the magnetic field provided by the magnetic device.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment of the temperature control arrangement, the at least one heat exchanger can be configured as either a heat sink or a heat source. In cooling mode, the electrically conductive medium can absorb waste heat from the at least one object to be temperature controlled and transfer it to the at least one heat exchanger configured as a heat sink, or in heating mode, it can absorb heat from the at least one heat exchanger configured as a heat source and transfer it to the at least one object to be temperature controlled. The at least one object to be temperature controlled can be an electrical component, such as a power semiconductor, an integrated circuit, etc.

[0019] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. In the drawings, identical reference numerals denote components or elements that perform the same or analogous functions. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic longitudinal section of a section of an embodiment of a channel system for a temperature control arrangement according to the invention with a first embodiment of a pump arrangement according to the invention for a channel system. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional representation of the canal system along the section line II - II in Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional representation of the canal system along section line II - II in Fig. 1 with a second embodiment of the pump arrangement according to the invention for a canal system. Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic longitudinal section of the section of the channel system for a temperature control arrangement according to the invention. Fig. 1 with a third embodiment of a pump arrangement according to the invention for a canal system. Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of an MHD module for the pump arrangements according to the invention. Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4. Embodiments of the invention

[0020] As from Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the illustrated embodiments of a pump arrangement 10 according to the invention for a channel system 1, which has at least one channel 3 for guiding an electrically conductive medium 5, comprise at least one inner channel 12, which is arranged in a channel 3 of the channel system 1, and at least one evaluation and control unit 14. At least one MHD module 20 with at least one magnet device 24 and one electrode device 22 is arranged in the at least one inner channel 12. At least one MHD module 20 is designed as a magnetohydrodynamic pump module 20A. The at least one evaluation and control unit 14 is designed to control the at least one magnetohydrodynamic pump module 20A.The electrode device 22 of the at least one magnetohydrodynamic pump module 20A is configured to conduct an electric current provided by the at least one evaluation and control unit 14 through the electrically conductive medium 5 within the corresponding inner channel 12, so that, in conjunction with a magnetic field generated by the at least one magnet device 24, a Lorentz force is created which draws in a portion of the electrically conductive medium 5 via an inlet opening 12.1 of the corresponding inner channel 12, accelerates it selectively within the corresponding inner channel 12, and expels it again via an outlet opening 12.2, resulting in a pressure difference between a first channel section 3A in the region of the inlet opening 12.1 of the at least one inner channel 12 and a second channel section 3B in the region of the outlet opening 12.2 of the at least one inner channel 12 generates a desired volume flow of the electrically conductive medium 5 in the at least one channel 3 of the channel system 1 outside the at least one inner channel 12.

[0021] The illustrated section of the channel system 1 is part of a temperature control arrangement according to the invention for at least one object to be temperature controlled (not shown in detail), which comprises at least one heat exchanger (not shown in detail). The channel system 1 is thermally coupled to the at least one object to be temperature controlled and the at least one heat exchanger and comprises at least one channel 3 and at least one pump arrangement 10 according to the invention.

[0022] The at least one heat exchanger is configured as either a heat sink or a heat source. In cooling mode, the electrically conductive medium 5 absorbs waste heat from the at least one object to be cooled and transports it to the at least one heat exchanger configured as a heat sink. In heating mode, the electrically conductive medium 5 absorbs heat from the at least one heat exchanger configured as a heat source and transports it to the at least one object to be cooled. The at least one object to be cooled is, for example, an electrical component.

[0023] As from Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 4, in the illustrated embodiments of the pump arrangement 10, two MHD modules 20 are arranged between the inlet opening 12.1 and the outlet opening 12.2 of the at least one inner channel 12. Here, a first MHD module 20 is configured as a magnetohydrodynamic pump module 20A, and a second MHD module 20 is configured as a magnetohydrodynamic sensor module 20B. Of course, several MHD modules 20 configured as magnetohydrodynamic pump modules 20A can also be arranged in the at least one inner channel 12. In the illustrated embodiments, the MHD modules 20 are connected electrically in parallel and fluidically and magnetically in series. Naturally, other electrical, fluidic, and magnetic connections of the two MHD modules 20 are also possible. For example, the two MHD modules 20 can also be connected electrically in series.

[0024] As from Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 5, the individual MHD modules 20 of the illustrated embodiments each comprise a magnet device 24 and an electrode device 22. The electrode device 22 comprises two electrodes 22A, 22B, and the magnet device 24 comprises a magnet 26, which in the illustrated embodiment is a permanent magnet. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the magnet 26 is an electromagnet, which is controlled by the evaluation and control unit 14. The two electrodes 22A, 22B of the individual electrode devices 22 are positioned, both in the embodiment of the MHD module 20 as a magnetohydrodynamic pump module 20A and in the embodiment of the MHD module 20 as a magnetohydrodynamic sensor module 20B, such that the electric current flow is perpendicular to the generated magnetic field.

[0025] In the MHD modules 20 designed as magnetohydrodynamic pump modules 20A, a first electrode 22A introduces an electric current flow with a predetermined current density within the corresponding inner channel 12 into the electrically conductive medium 5, and a second electrode 22B introduces the electric current flow within the corresponding inner channel 12 out of the electrically conductive medium 5.

[0026] In the MHD modules 20, designed as magnetohydrodynamic sensor modules 20B, an electric current flow between the two electrodes 22A, 22B is detected and transmitted to the evaluation and control unit 14. This electric current flow is caused by the interaction of the volume flow of the electrically conductive medium 5 through the corresponding inner channel 12 with a magnetic field generated by the magnet device 24. The evaluation and control unit 14 is further configured to determine a corresponding flow velocity of the electrically conductive medium 5 in the corresponding inner channel 12 by evaluating the electric current.

[0027] As from Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 3, in the illustrated embodiments of the pump arrangement 10, several inner channels 12, each with two MHD modules 20, are incorporated into a circumferential collar 16, which projects inwards from a wall of the at least one channel 3 of the channel system 1. In the illustrated embodiments, sixteen inner channels 12 are incorporated into the circumferential collar 16. In alternative embodiments of the pump arrangement 10 not shown, more or fewer than 10 inner channels 12 can be incorporated into the circumferential collar 16.

[0028] As from Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 2, in the illustrated first embodiment of the pump arrangement 10A the several inner channels 12 are arranged parallel to each other, so that a homogeneous flow can be generated in the subsequent channel section 3B of the at least one channel 3 of the channel system 1.

[0029] As from Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 3, in the second embodiment of the pump arrangement 10B shown, the several inner channels 12 each have an inward inclination, so that in the subsequent channel section 3B of the at least one channel 3 of the channel system 1 a spot point can be generated at which the flows of the individual inner channels 12 cross.

[0030] In an alternative embodiment of the pump arrangement 10 not shown, the several inner channels 12 each have an outward inclination, so that turbulent flow can be generated in the subsequent channel section 3B of the at least one channel 3 of the channel system 1.

[0031] As from Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 4, in the illustrated third embodiment of the pump arrangement 10C, an inner channel 12 is arranged centrally in the at least one channel 3 of the channel system 1. Of course, a group of inner channels 12 can also be arranged centrally in the at least one channel 3 of the channel system 1.

[0032] As from Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 4, the channel section 3B of channel 3 arranged after the pump arrangement 10 is widened in comparison to the channel section 3A of channel arranged before the pump arrangement 10 in order to achieve better convection. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2021 210 606 A1

[0003]

Claims

Pump arrangement (10) for a channel system (1) which has at least one channel (3) for guiding an electrically conductive medium (5), with at least one inner channel (12) which is arranged in a channel (3) of the channel system (1), and at least one evaluation and control unit (14), wherein at least one MHD module (20) with at least one magnet device (24) and an electrode device (22) is arranged in the at least one inner channel (12), wherein at least one MHD module (20) is designed as a magnetohydrodynamic pump module (20A), wherein the at least one evaluation and control unit (14) is designed to control the at least one magnetohydrodynamic pump module (20A), wherein the electrode device (22) of the at least one magnetohydrodynamic pump module (20A) is designedto conduct an electric current provided by the at least one evaluation and control unit (14) within the corresponding inner channel (12) through the electrically conductive medium (5), so that, in conjunction with a magnetic field generated by the at least one magnetic device (24), a Lorentz force is created which draws in a portion of the electrically conductive medium (5) via an inlet opening (12.1) of the corresponding inner channel (12), accelerates it in a controlled manner within the corresponding inner channel (12) and expels it again via an outlet opening (12.2),such that a resulting pressure difference between a first channel section (3A) in the region of the inlet opening (12.1) of the at least one inner channel (12) and a second channel section (3B) in the region of the outlet opening (12.2) of the at least one inner channel (12) generates a desired volume flow rate of the electrically conductive medium (5) in the at least one channel (3) of the channel system (1) outside the at least one inner channel (12). Pump arrangement (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that several inner channels (12) with at least one magnetohydrodynamic pump module (20A) are provided in a circumferential collar (16) which projects inwards from a wall of the at least one channel (3) of the channel system (1). Pump arrangement (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the several inner channels (12) are arranged parallel to each other, so that a homogeneous flow can be generated in a subsequent channel section (3B) of the at least one channel (3) of the channel system (1). Pump arrangement (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the several inner channels (12) each have an inward inclination, so that in a subsequent channel section (3B) of the at least one channel (3) of the channel system (1) a spot point can be generated at which the flows of the individual inner channels (12) intersect. Pump arrangement (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the several inner channels (12) each have an outward inclination, so that a turbulent flow can be generated in a subsequent channel section (3B) of the at least one channel (3) of the channel system (1). Pump arrangement (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one inner channel (12) is arranged centrally in the at least one channel (3) of the channel system (1). Pump arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the electrode device (22) of the at least one magnetohydrodynamic pump module (20A) comprises two electrodes (22A, 22B), of which a first electrode (22A) introduces an electric current flow with a predetermined current density into the electrically conductive medium (5) within the corresponding inner channel (12), and a second electrode (22B) directs the electric current flow out of the electrically conductive medium (5) within the corresponding inner channel (12). Pump arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one MHD module (20) is designed as a magnetohydrodynamic sensor module (20A) comprising at least one magnet device (24) and one electrode device (22). Pump arrangement (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 an electric current flow between the two electrodes (22A, 22B) and to transmit it to the at least one evaluation and control unit (14), wherein the electric current flow is caused by the interaction of the volume flow of the electrically conductive medium (5) through the corresponding inner channel (12) with a magnetic field generated by the at least one magnet device (24). Pump arrangement (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one evaluation and control unit (14) is further designed to determine a corresponding flow velocity of the electrically conductive medium (5) in the corresponding inner channel (12) by evaluating the electric current. Pump arrangement (10) according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the two electrodes (22A, 22B) of the individual electrode devices (22) are positioned such that the electric current flow is perpendicular to the generated magnetic field. Pump arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the at least one magnetic device (24) comprises at least one magnet (26) which is designed as a permanent magnet or as an electromagnet. Temperature control arrangement for at least one object to be temperature controlled, comprising at least one heat exchanger, a channel system (1) 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, and at least one pump arrangement (10) designed according to one of claims 1 to 12. Temperature control arrangement according to claim 13, characterized in that the at least one heat exchanger is designed as a heat sink or as a heat source, wherein the electrically conductive medium (5) absorbs waste heat from the at least one object to be temperature controlled in a cooling operation and transports it to the at least one heat exchanger designed as a heat sink, or absorbs heat from the at least one heat exchanger designed as a heat source and transports it to the at least one object to be temperature controlled in a heating operation. Temperature control arrangement 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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