Cold Plate Segmentation for Liquid Cooling Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data center cooling solutions are inadequate in efficiently managing the increasing heat generated by high-performance electronics, leading to reduced server reliability and performance due to inadequate thermal management.
Innovation Solution
The design of cold plates with two identical mainframes and internal fins, featuring primary and secondary fluid channels, enhances heat transfer efficiency while simplifying production and reducing costs, incorporating a hybrid liquid-air cooling system to effectively manage heat from processors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If complex circuitous liquid flow paths are designed in the cold plate, then cooling capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cold plate is divided into multiple identical modules, each containing simplified straight flow channels. The modules are arranged in parallel to collectively provide the required cooling capability, avoiding the need for complex circuitous flow paths within each module while maintaining effective heat removal.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple identical cold plate modules are combined in parallel to achieve the required cooling performance. Each module handles a portion of the thermal load independently, and their collective effect provides the necessary cooling capability without requiring complex individual flow paths.
2Temperature
If complex circuitous liquid flow paths are designed in the cold plate, then cooling capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cold plate is segmented into identical modular units with simple straight flow channels that are easy to manufacture. Each module can be produced using standardized processes, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost compared to monolithic complex flow path designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes from complex curved flow paths to simple straight channels with standardized dimensions. This parameter simplification enables easier manufacturing, lower production costs, and better scalability while maintaining cooling effectiveness through modular multiplication.
3Temperature
If increased contact area between liquid and cold plate interior surface is implemented, then cooling capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cold plate is divided into multiple modules with simplified internal structures. Each module provides adequate cooling through its straightforward flow channel design, and the increased total cooling capacity is achieved by multiplying these simple modules rather than complicating individual module structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing complexity within the two-dimensional flow path plane, the solution adds a third dimension by stacking multiple identical modules vertically or in parallel arrays. This dimensional approach increases total heat removal capacity without requiring complex internal flow path geometries.
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 configuration improves cooling efficiency, reduces production costs, and maintains optimal thermal environments for high-performance servers, enhancing reliability and performance by effectively dissipating heat through a hybrid cooling system.
Implementation Method 1
the processor abuts a cold plate serving as a heat sink, wherein liquid circulates within the cold plate to remove the heat from the cold plate
Implementation Method 2
liquid circulates within the cold plate to remove the heat from the cold plate
Data Source
AI summary
A microprocessor is attached to a cooling plate. The cooling plate is formed of two identical shells, each shell having a fluid chamber therein in communication with one or more fluid channels and a fluid port. The two shells are attached to each other such that the open top of each fluid cavity faces the other open top, so that the two fluid cavities form one large cavity. Fins are positioned inside the fluid cavity so as to form fluid passages between each two fins for the cooling fluid to flow and remove heat from the fins. Fluid chambers formed by the two shells are divided into multiple fluid channels among fins by the fins.