Nested Tube Thermosiphon for Server Rack Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermosiphon systems face challenges in efficiently removing heat from electronic devices in limited server rack environments, where traditional cooling methods are inadequate, leading to potential device failure due to overheating.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a thermosiphon system with nested tubes, where a condenser and evaporator are fluidically coupled using a condensate line with an outer and inner tube, reducing shear stress and thermal resistance, and incorporating a wick for efficient heat transfer, allowing for superior form factor and reduced space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional cooling methods (fans, forced convection) are used, then cooling coverage is limited, but heat removal efficiency is insufficient in difficult-to-cool areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermosiphon system as an intermediary cooling mechanism that uses phase change of working fluid (evaporation and condensation) to transfer heat from electronic devices. The evaporator contacts the device to absorb heat, vapor travels through connecting tube to condenser, which releases heat to ambient air, effectively cooling areas where forced convection is inadequate
Solution Approach 2:
The thermosiphon system exploits phase transitions of the working fluid between liquid and vapor states. The evaporator vaporizes the liquid working fluid to absorb heat from the electronic device, the vapor travels to the condenser where it condenses back to liquid, releasing heat to the ambient environment, thus achieving efficient heat removal
2Volume of stationary object
If nested tubes are used to carry liquid and vapor, then space is reduced, but shear stress between phases increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested tubes where an inner tube is placed inside an outer tube. The inner tube carries liquid condensate from the condenser to the evaporator, while the outer tube carries vapor from the evaporator to the condenser. This nesting arrangement significantly reduces the space required for fluid transport while maintaining separate flow paths for liquid and vapor phases
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting tube is segmented into two separate flow paths using nested tubes. The inner tube is dedicated to liquid flow while the outer tube handles vapor flow, separating the two phases spatialally to reduce shear stress interactions while maintaining compact dimensions
3Reliability
If multiple leak-tight joints are required, then assembly complexity increases, but system reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested tube design merges the liquid transport function and vapor transport function into a single integrated component structure. By placing the inner tube inside the outer tube, the system reduces the number of separate connections and joints required, thereby reducing potential leak points and simplifying assembly while maintaining reliability
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 design enhances heat removal efficiency, reduces the likelihood of device failure by maintaining a thin liquid layer for effective heat absorption, and requires fewer leak-tight joints, thereby improving system longevity and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a wick located in the housing
Implementation Method 2
The evaporator can be constructed without a flow restrictor
Implementation Method 3
A liquid form of the fluid is vaporized in an evaporator, and heat is carried by the vapor form of the fluid from the evaporator to a condenser
Implementation Method 4
heat is carried by the vapor form of the fluid from the evaporator to a condenser
Implementation Method 5
In the condenser, the vapor condenses
Implementation Method 6
the vapor condenses, and the liquid form of the fluid is then returned via gravity to the evaporator
Implementation Method 7
the liquid form of the fluid is then returned via gravity to the evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
A thermosiphon system includes a condenser, an evaporator including a housing and a wick located in the housing, and a condensate line fluidically coupling the condenser to the evaporator. The condensate line includes an outer tube and an inner tube nested within the outer tube. A first passage defined by the inner tube is positioned to carry a liquid phase of a working fluid from the condenser to the evaporator, and a second passage defined by a volume between the inner tube and the outer tube is positioned to carry a vapor phase of the working fluid from the evaporator to the condenser.