Segmented Heat Spreader Channels for Two-Phase Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat spreaders, such as copper vapor chambers and aluminum multi-port extrusions, are costly and less thermally efficient for heat spreading applications, especially for larger areas, and do not effectively distribute cooling fluid to enhance thermal efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A heat spreader design featuring separate channels with upper and lower coupling means allowing cooling fluid to circulate in both liquid and gas forms, improving heat distribution and reducing manufacturing costs through a simple, efficient design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional heat spreaders (copper vapor chambers, aluminum multi-port extrusions) are used, then heat spreading capability is provided, but manufacturing cost increases and thermal efficiency decreases for larger areas
Solution Approach 1:
The heat spreader is divided into multiple separate channels instead of using a single continuous structure. Each channel can be manufactured independently and then assembled, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining effective heat spreading across large areas through the distributed channel network
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by allowing the cooling fluid to circulate in both liquid and gas forms within the separate channels. This two-phase operation enhances thermal efficiency by utilizing phase change heat transfer mechanisms, achieving better cooling performance without proportionally increasing manufacturing cost
2Reliability
If conventional heat spreaders are used, then heat transfer is provided, but cooling fluid distribution is insufficient to enhance thermal efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple separate channels that are distributed across the heat spreader structure. This segmentation allows cooling fluid to be delivered directly to multiple locations simultaneously, improving thermal efficiency through better heat distribution without requiring a complex centralized distribution system
Solution Approach 2:
The separate channels are designed to enable self-circulation of the cooling fluid through buoyancy-driven convection currents. The system utilizes natural convection between liquid and gas phases, eliminating the need for external pumps or complex control mechanisms while maintaining effective cooling fluid distribution
3Productivity
If separate channels with coupling means are used, then cooling fluid circulation is improved, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate channels are merged at the top and bottom through coupling means that combine the channels into a unified circulation loop. This merging allows the cooling fluid to circulate efficiently through all channels while the coupling structure remains relatively simple, maintaining productivity without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling means serve multiple functions: they connect the separate channels together, provide structural support for the heat spreader, and facilitate the circulation of cooling fluid between channels. This multi-functionality improves cooling fluid circulation efficiency while avoiding the need for additional separate components that would increase 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 heat spreader efficiently distributes heat over a larger area with improved thermal performance, reducing costs and handling high internal pressures, while maintaining reliability and flexibility for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
In operation, the cooling fluid can transfer heat based on transitions between the liquid form and gas form, i.e., based on evaporation and condensation
Implementation Method 2
In operation, the cooling fluid can transfer heat based on transitions between the liquid form and gas form, i.e., based on evaporation and condensation
Implementation Method 3
This can be referred to as a two-phase system
Implementation Method 4
a front side configured to be thermally coupled to the electronic heat source; a back side arranged opposite to the front side and configured to be thermally coupled to the heat sink
Implementation Method 5
the main transport of liquid is thermosiphon mode which has less thermal resistance than vapor chamber transport
Implementation Method 6
The heat spreader can be substantially vertically arranged in operation with the upper part of the heat spreader facing upwards and the lower part of the heat spreader facing downwards such that the set of separate channels extend in the vertical plane. This can be beneficial from a gravity point of view and can further improve the circulation of the cooling fluid in the heat spreader
Data Source
AI summary
A heat spreader for transferring heat from an electronic heat source to a heat sink, a system for cooling an electronic heat source, and a method for manufacturing a heat spreader are provided. The heat spreader includes a set of separate channels which are coupled with each other by an upper coupler and a lower coupler such that a cooling fluid circulates in the set of separate channels via the upper coupler and the lower coupler in operation.