Low-GWP Fluorinated Heat Transfer Fluids for Immersion Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heat transfer fluids used in thermal management systems for computing equipment and semiconductor devices often have high Global Warming Potential (GWP) values, are flammable, and lack the necessary thermal and dielectric properties for efficient heat transfer across a wide temperature range.
Innovation Solution
The use of heat transfer fluids comprising chemical compounds with the general formula RfO-C(Cl, Br, F)=C(Cl, Br, F)2, where Rf is a fluorinated carbon chain, X, Y, and Z are independently selected from F, Cl, Br, or hydrogen, with at least one of X, Y, or Z being Cl or Br, providing low GWP, non-flammability, and excellent thermal and dielectric properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fluorinated heat transfer fluids (e.g., Galden, Fluorinert) are used, then excellent heat transfer performance and dielectric properties are achieved, but GWP value becomes unacceptably high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the molecular structure of fluorinated heat transfer fluids by changing the fluorinated carbon chain length (C1-C10) and introducing heteroatoms (O or S) into the chain, thereby altering physical and chemical parameters to achieve lower GWP while maintaining thermal performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite molecular structures combining fluorinated chains with oxygen or sulfur atoms, resulting in hybrid compounds that exhibit both low GWP and excellent heat transfer properties, as evidenced by the specific compounds disclosed with GWP < 30
2Device complexity
If air is used as heat transfer fluid, then system simplicity is maintained, but large air gaps are required between electronic boards causing large footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from gas-phase heat transfer (air) to liquid-phase heat transfer using fluorinated compounds, enabling direct liquid-to-solid heat exchange that eliminates the need for large air gaps and conventional AC systems
3Reliability
If air conditioning systems are used for cooling, then heat removal is achieved, but energy consumption becomes extremely high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs liquid heat transfer fluids that naturally circulate and transfer heat through direct contact with hot surfaces, eliminating or reducing the need for high-power air conditioning engines and associated energy consumption
4Ease of manufacture
If ammonia or ethylene glycol are used as heat transfer fluids, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but toxicity becomes a critical issue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluorinated compounds that are chemically inert and non-toxic, creating a safe heat transfer environment that eliminates the toxicity problems associated with ammonia and ethylene glycol while maintaining operational effectiveness
5Reliability
If CFCs and HFCs are used as heat transfer fluids, then thermal performance is achieved, but environmental harm increases due to ozone depletion and greenhouse effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the chemical composition by replacing chlorine atoms with fluorine and introducing oxygen or sulfur heteroatoms, resulting in compounds with dramatically reduced GWP values (< 30) while preserving thermal performance characteristics
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
These heat transfer fluids achieve a GWP 100 value of less than 30, offer efficient heat transfer, are non-flammable, and possess improved dielectric properties compared to existing commercial hydrofluoroethers, making them suitable for immersion cooling, semiconductor manufacturing, and battery thermal management systems.
Implementation Method 1
The heat transfer fluid provides a thermal path between the heat source and the heat sink
Implementation Method 2
it may be circulated through a loop system or other flow system to improve heat flow
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for exchanging heat with an object said method comprising using a heat transfer fluid wherein said heat transfer fluid comprises one or more chemical compounds having the general formula (I) wherein: - Rf can be any C1-C10 fluorinated linear or branched carbon chain which can be partially or fully fluorinated, and can comprise O or S atoms, - X, Y and Z can be independently selected from halogens or hydrogen, with the provision that at least one of X, Y or Z is a halogen.