Magnetocaloric IC Thermal Control for Extreme Engine Temperatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal management systems for integrated circuits in gas turbine engines face challenges in maintaining optimal temperature ranges across wide environmental variations, particularly due to high temperatures from combustion and low temperatures at high altitudes, leading to inefficiencies and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit thermal management system utilizing a magnetocaloric material and electromagnetic coil within a slide mechanism that moves between a heat exchanger and the integrated circuit, controlled by a controller circuitry to maintain temperature within a predetermined range, employing an adiabatic cycle for efficient heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional thermal management systems are used for integrated circuits in gas turbine engines, then the circuits can operate in high temperature environments, but the system weight and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the thermal management function with the existing engine oil circulation system. The oil serves dual purposes: as a lubricant for engine components and as a cooling medium for integrated circuits. This merging eliminates the need for separate cooling loops, reducing system complexity while maintaining effective temperature control across the -55°C to 150°C operating range.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine oil is given multi-functionality by using it both for lubrication and for thermal management of electronic components. The oil circulation system serves universal purposes: cooling the integrated circuits, removing heat from the engine core, and providing lubrication. This universal approach reduces the number of dedicated systems needed.
2Reliability
If traditional cooling methods are employed to maintain integrated circuit temperatures, then reliable operation is achieved, but the system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal management system utilizes the engine's own oil circulation infrastructure to cool the integrated circuits. The oil, already present in the system for lubrication purposes, serves the additional function of heat removal. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate cooling fluids, radiators, and pumps, significantly reducing system weight while ensuring reliable operation across extreme temperature ranges.
3Adaptability or versatility
If active cooling systems are used to maintain temperature in high altitude low temperature environments, then the integrated circuits remain functional, but the system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic thermal exchange through the oil circulation rather than continuous active cooling. The oil circulates through the integrated circuits, absorbing heat during engine operation, and releases it to heat exchangers positioned to take advantage of external temperature differentials. This periodic thermal management leverages the engine's operational cycles and environmental temperature variations, reducing energy consumption compared to continuous active cooling systems.
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 system effectively regulates the temperature of integrated circuits, improving reliability and reducing weight and complexity compared to traditional cooling methods, while enabling operation in extreme environments without environmentally damaging gases.
Implementation Method 1
employing an adiabatic cycle for efficient heat transfer
Implementation Method 2
employing an adiabatic cycle for efficient heat transfer
Implementation Method 3
An integrated circuit thermal management system utilizing a magnetocaloric material and electromagnetic coil
Implementation Method 4
a heat exchanger positioned on a first side of the enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit thermal management system includes an enclosure, a heat exchanger, an integrated circuit, a slide having a moveable slide body, an electromagnetic coil, a magneto caloric material and controller circuitry. The heat exchanger is positioned on a first side of the enclosure, and the integrated circuit is positioned on a second side of the enclosure with a temperature sensor configured to generate a temperature signal indicative of a temperature of the integrated circuit. The slide is disposed in the enclosure extending between the heat exchanger and the integrated circuit. The electromagnetic coil and the magnetocaloric material are included on the slide body. The controller is configured to control energization of the magnetic coil and movement of the magnetocaloric material on the slide body between the heat exchanger and the integrated circuit based on the temperature signal.