Closed-Loop Vapor-Phase Cooling System for On-Demand Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The electronics industry faces challenges in effectively managing thermal regulation in high-performance computing systems, as traditional cooling methods often require secondary systems and are not integrated into initial design phases, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop cooling system that utilizes a liquid coolant and vapor coolant, with a condenser for phase transition, and a self-regulating cooling interface with a shut-off valve to manage heat exchange efficiently, operating under low pressure and providing on-demand cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional refrigeration systems are used to cool electronic systems, then the entire electronic system or heat-generating components can be cooled, but the system complexity increases and costs increase due to secondary cooling systems being added after manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into multiple cooling zones or channels, each independently controllable, allowing selective cooling of specific heat-generating components rather than cooling the entire system, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective cooling where needed
Solution Approach 2:
Thermal management features are integrated into the original equipment manufacturer's design phase rather than being added as secondary systems after manufacture, allowing thermal considerations to inform the primary system architecture and reducing overall complexity
2Reliability
If continuous coolant flow is used in cooling systems, then reliable cooling is maintained, but energy consumption increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses demand-based or periodic coolant flow rather than continuous flow, activating cooling only when thermal thresholds are exceeded or at scheduled intervals, thereby maintaining reliable cooling while significantly reducing energy consumption associated with continuous pump operation
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system incorporates self-regulating features such as thermal sensors and control algorithms that automatically adjust coolant flow based on real-time thermal conditions, eliminating the need for external control systems and reducing both energy consumption and system complexity
3Productivity
If high pressure is used in cooling systems, then coolant flow rate increases and cooling efficiency improves, but system safety decreases and component requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes coolant flow parameters such as flow rate, velocity, and distribution patterns through design features like optimized channel geometry and flow distributors, achieving high cooling efficiency without relying on high pressure, thereby maintaining system safety while improving productivity
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 system effectively regulates temperature in high-power electronic systems, reducing costs and improving performance by efficiently dissipating heat through phase transition and self-regulation, while minimizing continuous coolant flow.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heat exchange unit for permitting heat to flow from a source of thermal energy to the liquid coolant from the coolant inlet, thereby permitting the liquid coolant to undergo phase transition to the vapor coolant
Implementation Method 2
a condenser that is configured to permit the vapor coolant to undergo phase transition to the liquid coolant
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides methods and systems for cooling a heat source. Systems for cooling a heat source may comprise a closed loop fluid flow path under vacuum. The closed loop fluid flow path may comprise one or more channels, coolant, a condenser, and one or more cooling interfaces. The closed loop fluid flow path may comprise a shut-off valve for directing coolant to the at least one cooling interface. During use, a heat source may be cooled by directing a liquid coolant to a cooling interface to form a vapor coolant, directing a vapor coolant from the cooling interface to the condenser, and subjecting the vapor coolant to phase transition to regenerate the liquid coolant.