Dynamic Cooling Rate Control Based on Temperature Change Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for heat-generating devices, particularly in electronics and LEDs, face challenges in efficiently managing high waste heat density and temperature fluctuations, leading to increased costs and mechanical stress due to disproportionate sizing and thermal expansion issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically control the cooling rate based on the rate of change of temperature, using feedback mechanisms to adjust cooling rates through air ducts, fan speed, or fluid flow, while considering temperature limits and thermal models to minimize mechanical stress and extend component lifetime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cooling system is designed to maintain a constant low temperature level, then the lifetime of electronic components is extended, but the cooling system becomes disproportionately large and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system dynamically adjusts its cooling rate based on the current temperature and rate of temperature change of the heat-generating device. The controller modulates the cooling means (e.g., fan speed, pump flow rate) in real-time to match the actual cooling需求, avoiding the need for an oversized constant-capacity cooling system while maintaining component reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of the cooling means based on measured temperature conditions. By adjusting the cooling rate as a variable parameter rather than maintaining a fixed high capacity, the system achieves effective temperature control with a smaller, more cost-effective cooling apparatus
2Temperature
If the cooling system is dimensioned according to waste heat peaks, then the temperature can be maintained at a constant level, but the cooling system becomes disproportionately dimensioned and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system transitions from a static, peak-dimensioned design to a dynamic system that adjusts cooling capacity in real-time based on actual heat generation. The controller continuously monitors temperature and modulates the cooling means accordingly, achieving temperature stability without requiring the cooling system to be sized for maximum peak conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system operates in a periodic control cycle, continuously measuring temperature and adjusting cooling output in response to varying heat generation patterns. This periodic adjustment allows the system to handle peaks effectively while avoiding continuous maximum-capacity operation
3Device complexity
If temperature fluctuations are allowed to reduce cooling costs, then the cooling system can be smaller, but thermal and mechanical stress cycles increase causing component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control by continuously measuring the temperature of the heat-generating device and using this information to adjust the cooling rate. This closed-loop control prevents excessive temperature fluctuations by actively compensating for heat generation variations, reducing thermal stress cycles while maintaining cost-effective cooling system sizing
Solution Approach 2:
The controller anticipates potential temperature excursions by monitoring the rate of temperature change and adjusting the cooling rate in advance. This proactive control prevents extreme temperature swings and associated thermal stress, cushioning the components against damaging stress cycles before they occur
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 thermal stress, prolongs component lifetime, and optimizes cooling system efficiency by matching cooling capacity with heat generation patterns, thereby reducing costs and mechanical damage.
Implementation Method 1
heat is generated at a certain point and has to be transferred to another point
Implementation Method 2
cooling systems that are designed sufficiently large... cooling systems normally become more effective if the tolerated temperature level of the heat generating device is higher
Data Source
AI summary
A method (19) of cooling a heat generating device (2) where the cooling rate (17, 18) of the heat generating device (2) is determined using the rate of change of the temperature (16) of the heat generating device (2).