Parallel Cooling Circuit Setpoints for Airflow Dehumidification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Information handling systems face challenges in managing humidity in gases used for thermal management, which can lead to component degradation and premature failure.

Innovation Solution

The method involves identifying active cooling circuits in a parallel configuration and adjusting the temperature set points of these circuits to remove moisture from the airflow, thereby reducing humidity levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cooling systems maintain conventional temperature set points, then system simplicity is preserved, but humidity accumulates causing component degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent lifespanVSAvoidcooling circuit control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system is divided into multiple independent cooling circuits (first cooling circuit, second cooling circuit, third cooling circuit) that can be controlled separately. Each circuit can have its temperature set point adjusted independently based on local humidity conditions, allowing targeted dehumidification without affecting the entire system uniformly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the information handling system are treated with different cooling strategies. Areas with high humidity accumulate have their temperature set points lowered to promote condensation and moisture removal, while other areas maintain conventional temperatures. This localized approach addresses humidity issues without unnecessarily cooling the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If temperature set point is lowered to remove moisture, then humidity is reduced, but cooling energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehumidity controlVSAvoidcooling energy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of uniformly lowering the temperature set point of all cooling circuits, the system applies partial cooling to specific circuits only where humidity accumulation is detected. The temperature set point is lowered selectively in circuits serving high-humidity areas, while other circuits maintain conventional temperatures, thereby reducing overall energy consumption compared to system-wide cooling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts temperature set point parameters based on detected humidity conditions. When humidity is detected in a specific region, the temperature set point parameter is changed (lowered) for the corresponding cooling circuit to promote moisture condensation. This parameter change is reversible and adaptive, allowing the system to optimize between dehumidification effectiveness and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple cooling circuits operate independently, then humidity can be controlled locally, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental controlVSAvoidcooling system architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multiple cooling circuits serve dual functions: they provide cooling to reduce component temperatures and simultaneously function as dehumidification tools when temperature set points are lowered. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware infrastructure to address both thermal management and humidity control without requiring separate dedicated dehumidification equipment, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates humidity detection mechanisms that monitor environmental conditions in real-time. Based on this feedback, the control system automatically adjusts the temperature set points of specific cooling circuits to maintain optimal humidity levels. This closed-loop feedback control enables automatic adaptation to changing environmental conditions without requiring manual intervention or overly complex control architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 approach effectively reduces the rates of component degradation, extends the lifespan of information handling systems, and allows for the use of a wider range of gas compositions without compromising system performance.

Implementation Method 1

lowering a first temperature set point of a first cooling circuit of the multiple cooling circuits... raising a second temperature set point of a second cooling circuit of the multiple cooling circuits... removing moisture from the airflow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentUS12346178B2System and method for adjusting environmental conditions

Publication Date: 2025.07.01 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A method for removing moisture from an airflow via a cooling system includes identifying a plurality of active cooling circuits in the cooling system. The method also includes lowering a first temperature set point of a first cooling circuit of the multiple cooling circuits. In addition, the method includes raising a second temperature set point of a second cooling circuit of the multiple cooling circuits.