Phase-Change Coolant Module for Cold Plate Heat Spreading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cold plate cooling systems concentrate heat in certain areas, limiting overall heat dissipation due to insufficient thermal conductivity orthogonal to the direction of heat flow.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system incorporating a phase-change coolant module that undergoes a vaporization-condensation cycle to dissipate heat and enhance thermal conduction horizontally, reducing heat concentration and improving overall heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional cold plate cooling systems are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but heat concentration occurs in certain areas limiting overall heat dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a phase-change coolant module that utilizes the phase transition of coolant from liquid to vapor and back. The coolant absorbs heat from the heat source through vaporization, rises as vapor, condenses on the cold plate, and returns to liquid state, creating a continuous cycle that effectively distributes and dissipates heat, thereby reducing heat concentration while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluid dynamics principles by introducing a liquid coolant that circulates through the cold plate. The coolant flows through channels in the cold plate, absorbing heat through convection and conduction, then returns to the phase-change module for vaporization, creating a hydraulic cycle that effectively manages heat distribution
2Device complexity
If traditional cold plate cooling systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but thermal conductivity in orthogonal direction is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The phase-change coolant module introduces a complex thermal management mechanism within a relatively simple structure. The phase transition process naturally creates high thermal conductivity through the vaporization-condensation cycle, where the coolant absorbs and releases heat efficiently, enhancing thermal conductivity in the orthogonal direction without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The phase-change coolant acts as an intermediary between the heat source and the cold plate. It mediates heat transfer through its phase transition, absorbing heat from the heat source and releasing it to the cold plate, thereby enhancing thermal conductivity without requiring complex thermal management systems
3Productivity
If phase-change coolant module is added to enhance heat dissipation, then overall heat dissipation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase-change coolant module enhances heat dissipation efficiency through the natural phase transition process. The coolant vaporizes absorbing heat, rises as vapor, condenses releasing heat, and returns to liquid state, creating a self-sustaining cycle that improves heat dissipation without requiring external energy input or complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The phase-change coolant module operates as a self-service system where the coolant automatically cycles through vaporization and condensation processes without external intervention. The phase transition mechanism self-regulates heat transfer, eliminating the need for complex pumps, fans, or control systems, thereby improving heat dissipation with minimal increase in device complexity
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 phase-change coolant module effectively spreads heat horizontally, reducing heat density and peak temperature, thereby enhancing the cooling system's ability to dissipate heat from a heat source.
Implementation Method 1
the phase-change coolant is configured to: at least partially vaporize from a liquid state to a vapor state in response to heat flow from the heat source
Implementation Method 2
at least partially condense from the vapor state to the liquid state in response to heat flow to the cold plate
Implementation Method 3
a cold plate configured for conducting heat away from a heat source
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system for a computing device includes a cold plate configured for conducting heat away from a heat source. The cooling system further includes a phase-change coolant module disposed between and in thermal contact with the heat source and the cold plate. The phase-change coolant module contains a phase-change coolant.