Dual-Loop Thermal Control Plate for Heating-Cooling Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control systems for electronic equipment often fail to manage temperature variations effectively, requiring either heating or cooling but not both, and are inefficient, costly, and difficult to control, especially in uncontrolled outdoor environments where temperatures can range widely.
Innovation Solution
A dual-loop temperature control system that includes both a cooling and a heating loop, where the heating loop functions as a bypass of the cooling loop, using a temperature control plate with a shared working fluid and a controller to manage temperature through a combination of cooling, heating, or both, allowing for efficient thermal management across varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-loop temperature control system is used, then the system structure is simple, but it cannot provide both heating and cooling functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines heating and cooling loops into a single integrated temperature control system. The heating loop and cooling loop share common components including the temperature control plate, working fluid circuit, and control unit, allowing both heating and cooling functions to be provided while reducing overall system complexity compared to completely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature control plate serves multiple functions: it acts as both a heating element and a cooling element, and the working fluid circuit can operate in both heating mode and cooling mode. This multi-functionality allows a single system to provide both heating and cooling capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an electrical heater is used in a cooling loop, then heating function is added, but the system becomes difficult to control and has low efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary that manages the interaction between the heating loop and cooling loop. The control unit monitors temperature conditions and automatically switches between heating mode and cooling mode, as well as controlling the transition between different operating states, making the system easy to operate despite its dual functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional dual heating and cooling system is used, then both heating and cooling are provided, but the system requires large space and high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The heating loop is nested within or integrated with the cooling loop structure. The heating loop functions as a bypass of the cooling loop, allowing the system to achieve both heating and cooling capabilities while minimizing the overall space required by sharing common infrastructure and components.
4Loss of energy
If heating loop operates independently, then heating efficiency is maintained, but heat from electronic components is not utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the waste heat generated by electronic components into a useful resource for the heating loop. When the heating loop is activated, it utilizes the heat from electronic components to heat the working fluid, transforming what would normally be wasted energy into a beneficial contribution to the heating function.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic components themselves serve as a heat source for the heating loop. The system automatically captures and utilizes the heat generated by the electronic components during operation, eliminating the need for external heating sources and improving overall energy efficiency.
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
Enables effective thermal management of electronic components by allowing simultaneous heating and cooling, improving efficiency and reducing costs by utilizing the heat generated by components to quickly heat the working fluid, thus maintaining optimal operating conditions across different temperatures and locations.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature control plate thermally coupled to heat-generating electronics
Implementation Method 2
a cooling loop... allowing heat provided by the heat-generating electronic components to heat the working fluid flowing through the temperature control plate
Implementation Method 3
a heating loop... including a heater to heat the working fluid
Implementation Method 4
a pump to circulate the working fluid through the heating loop
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are disclosed of an apparatus including a cooling loop and a heating loop. A temperature control plate adapted to be thermally coupled to one or more heat-generating electronic components. The temperature control plate has a fluid inlet fluidly coupled to an inlet control, and a fluid outlet fluidly coupled to an outlet control. Both the cooling loop and the heating loop are fluidly coupled to the temperature control plate. Temperature sensors and a controller are coupled to the system. Based on initial temperature measurements, the controller determines whether the electronic components require a cooling-only temperature control strategy or require a hybrid temperature control strategy that includes heating, cooling, and a transition between heating and cooling. The controller then implements the selected strategy.