Phase Transition Material Valve for Liquid Cooling Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid cooling systems face challenges in accurately controlling the temperature of heat sources due to lag in temperature adjustment, which is exacerbated by frequent changes in heat dissipation power consumption and reliance on external measurement points.
Innovation Solution
A temperature adjustment device utilizing a phase transition material to drive valve bodies and control the flow of coolant, allowing for real-time temperature control without external measuring points and reducing lag in temperature adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If indirect PID adjustment is used to control coolant temperature, then temperature control is achieved, but significant lag occurs (stabilization time over 100 seconds)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical PID control system with a phase transition material-based control system. The phase transition material automatically responds to temperature changes through phase change (solid-liquid transition), driving the valve body to adjust coolant flow without requiring external sensors or complex control algorithms, thereby eliminating the time lag inherent in mechanical PID systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition properties of a specific material (paraffin or gallium alloy) that changes phase at a predetermined temperature point. When the coolant temperature reaches the phase transition point, the material changes phase and automatically drives the valve body to adjust the coolant flow rate, providing instantaneous response without the delay characteristic of traditional PID control
2Reliability
If additional temperature measuring points and PLC PID adjustment are added, then temperature feedback control is achieved, but the system complexity increases and lag remains significant
Solution Approach 1:
The phase transition material serves as both the temperature sensor and the actuator. It automatically detects temperature changes through phase transition and self-drivenly adjusts the valve position, eliminating the need for external temperature measuring points, PLC systems, and complex control algorithms, thereby achieving temperature feedback control with minimal system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of temperature sensing, signal processing, and valve actuation into a single phase transition material component. This integration eliminates multiple separate components (sensors, PLC, control algorithms) and their associated connections, significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining feedback control capability
3Speed
If coolant flow rate is increased to reduce temperature lag, then temperature response speed improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic coolant flow rate adjustment based on actual temperature needs. The phase transition material-driven valve automatically modulates the coolant flow rate according to the heat source's instantaneous thermal requirements, avoiding the energy waste of maintaining high flow rates during low thermal load conditions while ensuring rapid response when temperature changes are needed
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 solution enables rapid and accurate control of coolant temperature, reducing the time required for stabilization by two orders of magnitude compared to conventional systems, and effectively managing temperature fluctuations in response to changing heat dissipation demands.
Implementation Method 1
a phase transition material filled in the second chamber and suitable for changing phases according to an inlet liquid temperature
Implementation Method 2
the first valve body is movable between a first plugging position and a first opening position. In the first plugging position, the first valve body isolates the first liquid outlet from the liquid inlet, and in the first opening position, the first liquid outlet is in communication with the liquid inlet
Implementation Method 3
the second valve body is in flexible connection with a first end of the second casing and is in transmission connection with the first valve body, and the second valve body has a second plugging position for plugging the second liquid outlet and a second opening position for opening the second liquid outlet
Implementation Method 4
Cold plate liquid cooling uses a liquid working medium with a high specific heat capacity to quickly take away heat
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a temperature adjustment device, a single-phase liquid cooling system and a control method for a single-phase liquid cooling system. The temperature adjustment device includes a first casing, a second casing, a first valve body, a second valve body, and a phase transition material. The first casing is provided with a first chamber therein, and the first casing is provided with a liquid inlet, a first liquid outlet, and a second liquid outlet which are in communication with the first chamber. The second casing is provided with a second chamber therein, and the second casing is arranged within the first chamber. The first valve body has a first plugging position for isolating the first liquid outlet from the liquid inlet, and a first opening position for allowing communication between the first liquid inlet and the first liquid outlet.