Pressure Shell With Integrated Heat Exchanger for Underwater Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling systems for computer equipment face issues such as biofouling and corrosion when using seawater, which impede heat transfer and require frequent maintenance, and existing heat exchangers are not effectively designed to withstand external pressures and corrosive environments.
Innovation Solution
A pressure shell with an integrated heat exchanger is designed to immerse in fresh or seawater, featuring fluid passageways between interior and exterior walls that direct coolant flow to transfer heat from electronic equipment to the surrounding environment, minimizing exposure to seawater and reducing biofouling and corrosion risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If seawater is used as coolant for heat exchange, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but biofouling and corrosion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressure shell as an intermediary barrier between the seawater coolant and the electronic equipment. The shell walls separate the coolant (seawater) from the equipment, allowing heat exchange to occur through the shell walls while preventing direct contact that would cause biofouling and corrosion. This mediator structure enables the system to utilize seawater's high heat capacity without suffering from its corrosive and fouling properties.
2Temperature
If external heat exchanger is used, then heat transfer capability is improved, but exposure to corrosive environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat exchanger functionality directly into the pressure shell structure. The shell walls themselves serve as the heat exchange surfaces, with coolant passageways integrated within the shell walls. This integration reduces the number of separate external components that would be exposed to corrosive environments, as the shell is designed to withstand the corrosive conditions while providing the heat transfer function.
3Strength
If pressure shell with integrated heat exchanger is used, then resistance to external pressure is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure shell is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural strength to withstand external water pressure, serves as the heat exchange surface through integrated coolant passageways in the walls, and acts as a protective barrier against corrosion and biofouling. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving pressure resistance.
4Productivity
If coolant circulates through external heat exchanger, then heat removal efficiency is improved, but maintenance frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is merged with the pressure shell structure, eliminating separate external heat exchanger components that would be susceptible to biofouling and corrosion. The integrated design with coolant passageways within the shell walls reduces the surface area exposed to fouling conditions and eliminates the need for external piping and connections, thereby extending maintenance intervals while maintaining heat removal efficiency.
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 effectively transfers heat from electronic equipment to the surrounding environment while reducing biofouling and corrosion, maintaining efficient cooling performance and extending maintenance intervals.
Implementation Method 1
heat from the coolant is transferred to the exterior wall and then from the exterior wall to the surrounding environment
Implementation Method 2
heat from the coolant is transferred to the exterior wall and then from the exterior wall to the surrounding environment
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a portion of a shell includes a shell wall portion that has an interior wall portion and an exterior wall portion located near the interior wall portion. In addition, fluid passageways are disposed between the interior wall portion and the exterior wall portion. One or more of the fluid passageways are defined in part by one or both of the interior wall portion and the exterior wall portion. The fluid passageways form part of heat exchanger that is integrated in the shell.