Dynamic Coolant Regulation for Peak Junction Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional liquid cooling techniques maintain coolant temperatures at a static level based on worst-case power dissipation scenarios, leading to inefficiency and excessive energy consumption as they fail to adapt to varying power consumption needs of electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

A thermal cooling system dynamically adjusts coolant temperature regulation points and flow rates based on power profiles, estimating peak junction temperatures and power consumption levels to minimize the difference between designated and actual peak temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If coolant temperature is maintained at a static level based on worst-case power dissipation, then the junction temperature stays under the predesignated maximum, but energy consumption increases excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejunction temperature controlVSAvoidcooling system energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static coolant temperature regulation approach to a dynamic one that adapts to varying power consumption conditions. The system continuously monitors power profile inputs and adjusts the coolant temperature regulation point accordingly, ensuring the junction temperature remains under the predesignated maximum while optimizing energy consumption based on actual thermal demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the coolant temperature regulation point and coolant flow rate based on estimated peak junction temperature and power consumption levels. These parameter adjustments allow the system to maintain reliable junction temperature control while reducing unnecessary cooling headroom and energy waste during lower power consumption periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If coolant temperature regulation point is lowered for maximum power conditions, then junction temperature is controlled under worst-case scenarios, but energy waste increases during lower power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal protection under worst-caseVSAvoidcooling energy waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by providing only the necessary cooling headroom required for the current power consumption level rather than maintaining excessive cooling capacity for worst-case scenarios. The system estimates peak junction temperature and adjusts the coolant temperature regulation point to provide adequate thermal protection while eliminating unnecessary cooling energy waste during lower power consumption periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If coolant flow rate is maintained at high level for maximum thermal ramp-up, then junction temperature is controlled effectively, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal ramp-up controlVSAvoidpump energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by adjusting the coolant flow rate dynamically based on actual thermal demands and power profile inputs. The system monitors power consumption levels and modifies the coolant flow rate accordingly, maintaining effective thermal ramp-up control during high power conditions while reducing pump energy consumption during lower power consumption periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 reduces energy waste by optimizing coolant temperature and flow rate settings, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing unnecessary cooling headroom.

Implementation Method 1

a power consuming unit cooled by a coolant within the thermal cooling system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

coolant flow rate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS12484188B2Thermal cooling regulation based on power profile
Publication Date: 2025.11.25 QUALCOMM INC
  • US12484188B2 patent drawing
  • US12484188B2 patent drawing
  • US12484188B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods for thermal cooling implemented by a processor of a thermal cooling system may include receiving a power profile input associated with a power consuming unit cooled by a coolant within the thermal cooling system, estimating a peak Tj of the power consuming unit during an upcoming interval based on the power profile input, a coolant temperature regulation point, and a coolant flow rate, and changing at least one of the coolant temperature regulation point or the coolant flow rate in response to the estimated peak Tj varying from a predesignated Tj limit by a predetermined threshold.