Closed-Loop Cooling Layout for Mixed-Temperature Electric Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling solutions for electric equipment struggle to efficiently cool components that do not produce sufficient heat to evaporate a liquid, and previous absorption refrigeration systems lack clear component arrangements and operating temperature disclosures.
Innovation Solution
A cooling apparatus with a closed compartment containing a generator and evaporator, utilizing two miscible fluids where heat from high-temperature components is transferred to one fluid, causing it to evaporate, and the vapor is then condensed and used to cool lower-temperature components, with an absorber transferring heat outside the compartment, eliminating the need for a compressor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a liquid evaporation cooling method is used for high-temperature components, then cooling efficiency for high-temperature components is improved, but components with insufficient heat generation cannot be effectively cooled
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into two independent parallel circuits: a direct evaporation circuit for high-temperature components and an indirect evaporation circuit for low-temperature components. Each circuit has its own evaporator and fluid channel configuration, allowing independent optimization for different thermal requirements without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different fluid channel structures are used in different parts of the system: the direct evaporation circuit uses channels optimized for high heat flux components, while the indirect evaporation circuit uses channels designed for lower heat flux components. This local differentiation allows each circuit to operate at optimal efficiency for its specific thermal conditions.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional absorption refrigeration system is used, then cooling function is provided, but the arrangement of components relative to a closed compartment and operating temperatures are not disclosed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the waste heat from the electronic components themselves to drive the evaporation process, eliminating the need for external refrigerants or complex temperature control systems. The high-temperature components automatically provide the thermal energy needed for cooling, creating a self-regulating system where the cooling demand and heat source are intrinsically linked.
3Use of energy by moving object
If heat is transferred from high-temperature components to cool low-temperature components, then energy efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is integrated directly into the housing structure of the electronic device, with fluid channels formed within or on the housing itself. The housing serves dual purposes as both structural enclosure and thermal management component, eliminating the need for separate cooling apparatus and reducing overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides efficient cooling for both high and low-temperature components using wasted thermal energy, optimizing heat transfer and reducing energy consumption by leveraging the properties of miscible fluids and their phase changes within a closed system.
Implementation Method 1
heat from high-temperature components is transferred to one fluid, causing it to evaporate
Implementation Method 2
heat from high-temperature components is transferred to one fluid
Implementation Method 3
the vapor is then condensed
Implementation Method 4
the condensed liquid is used to cool lower-temperature components
Implementation Method 5
with an absorber transferring heat outside the compartment
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a cooling apparatus for an electric equipment comprising a generator (1) receiving a heat load from first electric components (5), a evaporator (2) for receiving a heat load from second electric components (6), a closed compartment (9) enclosing the primary and evaporators, and a absorber (3) transferring heat from heated fluid to the outside of the closed compartment. In order to obtain an efficient and reliable cooling apparatus, the cooling apparatus comprises a first expansion device (11) which reduces the pressure of the fluid, and forwards the fluid in a liquid state and with a low pressure to the secondary cooling (2) element, which transfers heat to the received fluid from the second electric components (6) for evaporating the fluid.