Immersion Cooling Fluid Composition for Electrically Safe Heat Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional heat transfer fluids used in electrical systems, such as those in electric vehicles and computer electronics, often exhibit high electrical conductivity, leading to corrosion and short-circuiting issues, and are prone to freezing, which can cause runaway thermal conditions.

Innovation Solution

A heat transfer fluid comprising a mixture of hydrocarbon oil and oxygenate, designed to have low electrical conductivity and a low freeze point, is used to immerse electrical componentry, providing effective heat transfer while minimizing the risk of electrical hazards and thermal instability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If traditional aqueous heat transfer fluids are used, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but electrical conductivity increases leading to short circuiting and corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidelectrical conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of electrical conductivity by replacing aqueous-based fluids with hydrocarbon-based fluids. This parameter change maintains adequate heat transfer capability while reducing electrical conductivity to negligible levels, eliminating short circuiting and corrosion hazards in electrical systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite heat transfer fluids consisting of hydrocarbon base stocks combined with specific additives. This composite approach achieves the dual objective of maintaining effective heat transfer properties while ensuring electrical insulation, thereby resolving the contradiction between heat transfer efficiency and electrical conductivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Temperature

If traditional heat transfer fluids are used, then cooling capability is improved, but freeze point resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling capabilityVSAvoidfreeze point resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using hydrocarbon base stocks with inherently lower freeze points compared to traditional aqueous glycol-based fluids. This parameter change maintains cooling capability while significantly improving freeze point resistance and thermal stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs hydrocarbon-based fluids that, while requiring careful handling, provide superior thermal stability and freeze protection compared to traditional fluids. The system accepts the need for periodic fluid replacement as a trade-off for gaining reliable freeze point resistance and improved cooling performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Temperature

If coolant leaks occur in battery packs, then heat transfer function is maintained, but electrical safety deteriorates due to electrolysis and thermal runaway

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer functionVSAvoidelectrical safety

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential harm of coolant leakage into a beneficial outcome by using electrically insulating hydrocarbon-based fluids. When leaks occur, these fluids cannot conduct electricity or undergo electrolysis, thereby preventing thermal runaway and electrical hazards while maintaining heat transfer function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an inert electrical environment by using hydrocarbon-based fluids that are electrically insulating. This inert environment prevents electrical conduction and electrolysis reactions even when the fluid leaks into contact with electrical components, thereby maintaining both heat transfer function and electrical safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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 hydrocarbon-oxygenate mixture effectively absorbs and dissipates heat, reducing the risk of electrical hazards and thermal runaway, enabling safer and more efficient cooling of electrical componentry, including battery systems and computer electronics, while allowing for rapid charging and increased computing power.

Implementation Method 1

The heat transfer fluid that facilitates absorbing and dissipating the heat from the power source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the coolant from the cooling system does not come into contact with the electric potentials protected within

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS20250092295A1Organic heat transfer system, method and fluid

Publication Date: 2025.03.20 THE LUBRIZOL CORP

AI summary

The disclosed technology relates to a heat transfer fluid and a heat transfer system and heat transfer method employing the heat transfer fluid. In particular, the technology relates to a heat transfer fluid with low electrical conductivity, low flammability, and low freeze point that provides excellent peak temperature reduction in a heat transfer system, such as that for cooling a power system of an electric vehicle or computer electronics.