Cooling Element With Pulsating Heat Pipe Fins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling elements with horizontal orientation suffer from insufficient cooling performance, particularly when used with power-semiconductor modules generating significant heat loads, as they are not efficient in fluid circulation and heat distribution.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating fins with flow channels that function as pulsating heat pipes, allowing fluid circulation independently of orientation, with fluid communication between channels to enhance heat transfer and distribution across the fins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling elements are used in horizontal orientation with conventional fins, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the cooling performance is insufficient for high heat loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces pulsating heat pipes as fluid-filled channels within the fin structure, utilizing phase change and capillary action to actively transport heat. This hydraulic/pneumatic system enables superior cooling performance by circulating working fluid through the fins, transforming passive thermal conduction into active heat pumping without external power
Solution Approach 2:
The pulsating heat pipes utilize phase transitions of the working fluid (evaporation and condensation) to transfer heat. The fluid evaporates at the hot base plate, transports vapor through the fin channels, condenses releasing heat, and returns as liquid, creating a continuous heat pumping cycle that dramatically improves cooling capability
2Temperature
If external pumps are added to improve fluid circulation, then cooling performance improves, but device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pulsating heat pipes are designed to be self-driven through internal capillary forces and phase change dynamics. The narrow capillary channels create surface tension effects that automatically pump the working fluid through the system without external assistance. The system serves itself by using the heat load to drive its own circulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical pumping systems with a thermodynamic-capillary system. Instead of using mechanical pumps driven by motors and power supplies, the invention uses phase change mechanisms and capillary pressure to achieve fluid circulation, eliminating complex mechanical components
3Temperature
If conventional fins are used without internal flow channels, then manufacturing is simpler, but heat distribution across the fins is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fin structure is segmented into multiple discrete pulsating heat pipe channels, each acting as an independent heat transport pathway. This segmentation allows heat to be distributed throughout the fin array through multiple parallel fluid circulation loops, ensuring uniform heat distribution across all fins rather than relying on conduction alone
Solution Approach 2:
The flow channels are nested within the fin structure itself, with the fluid passages embedded in the fin material or as integral parts of the fin assembly. This nesting integrates the heat transport function directly into the heat dissipation structure, combining form and function in a single component
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
The cooling element achieves improved cooling performance and can be used in any orientation, efficiently dissipating heat without the need for external pumps, thereby addressing the limitations of traditional cooling elements.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating fins with flow channels that function as pulsating heat pipes, allowing fluid circulation independently of orientation
Implementation Method 2
A pulsating heat pipe involves a meandering flow channel 1 having a capillary dimension, in other words a cross-section small enough for capillary forces to dominate over gravity forces
Implementation Method 3
a second surface (13) of the cooling element is provided with fins (14) for forwarding a heat load received from the electric component (12) to surroundings via the fins
Implementation Method 4
An airflow 15 may be generated to pass between the fins 14 such that the fins dissipate heat into this airflow 15
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a cooling element (40) comprising a first surface (11) for receiving an electric component (12), a second surface (13) which is provided with fins (14) for forwarding a heat load received from the electric component (12) via the first surface (11) to surroundings. In order to obtain a cooling element providing efficient cooling one or more of the fins (14) are provided with a flow channel (1) for passing a fluid within each respective fin.