Orthogonal Cold Plate Immersion Cooling Thermal Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing power consumption of high-performance CPUs poses challenges for cooling, as air-based thermal management solutions become inadequate, and the upcoming EU ban on PFAS fluids forces a shift to hydrocarbons in liquid immersion cooling, leading to thermal resistance issues similar to air-cooled passive heat sinks.
Innovation Solution
The development of orthogonal cold plates for active immersion cooling, where coolant flows through a channel parallel to the base plate and then between fins at a substantially orthogonal direction, reducing thermal resistance and pressure drop compared to impingement cold plate designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If impingement cold plate design is used, then cooling capability is provided, but thermal resistance is high and pumping power requirement is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional impingement cooling (coolant flowing perpendicular to the base plate) to orthogonal cooling where coolant flows parallel to the base plate first, then turns 90 degrees to flow between fins. This dimensional change in flow path reduces thermal resistance by 26-48% and decreases pumping power requirements by creating a more efficient thermal conduction path closer to the heat source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional impingement cold plate design by reversing the coolant flow direction. Instead of coolant impinging directly onto the base plate from above, the coolant flows through channels parallel to the base plate first, then redirects to flow between fins. This inversion optimizes heat transfer efficiency and reduces both thermal resistance and pumping power.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If EU ban on PFAS fluids is implemented, then environmental compliance is achieved, but thermal resistance increases similar to air-cooled heat sinks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the coolant flow parameters and path configuration to compensate for the higher thermal resistance of hydrocarbon coolants. By implementing orthogonal flow paths with channels parallel to the base plate and 90-degree turns to flow between fins, the system achieves superior heat transfer efficiency with hydrocarbons compared to traditional impingement designs, meeting environmental compliance while maintaining effective cooling.
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 orthogonal cold plate design achieves thermal resistance comparable to or better than air-cooled heat sinks, with a 26% to 48% reduction in thermal resistance and a 5-7°C thermal performance advantage at 26-50% less pumping power, leading to improved cooling efficiency and reduced costs.
Implementation Method 1
Heat generated by the computing components is absorbed by the dielectric liquid and then dissipated into the environment
Implementation Method 2
coolant flows through a channel extending in a first direction defined by openings in a plurality of fins, then flows in a second direction between the fins
Data Source
AI summary
A cold plate comprises a plurality of fins. The individual fins have an opening, and the openings collectively define a first channel through the plurality of fins. During operation of an integrated circuit component attached to the cold plate, coolant is pumped through the cold plate. The coolant flows in a first direction through the first channel and then in a second through second channels located between the fins. The first direction is substantially orthogonal to the second direction. The first channel can comprise a tube that has openings that direct coolant to flow into the second channels. The first channel is located close to the base plate of the cold plate so that there is a high degree of heat transfer between an integrated circuit component attached to the cold plate and coolant flowing through the cold plate.