Sub-Ambient Cooling Cycle With TEC for Extreme Ambient Temperatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sub-ambient cooling systems face challenges in effectively managing thermal energy dissipation when the ambient temperature exceeds or falls below desired levels, particularly in extreme environments, as they struggle to maintain optimal operating conditions for heat-generating structures like electronics.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a topping cycle cooling system that incorporates a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) to selectively remove or add thermal energy, allowing the system to operate in both extremely hot and cold environments by using a secondary condenser to manage thermal energy dissipation to ambient air or a fluid loop, thereby compensating for undesirable temperature conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional sub-ambient cooling system is used, then the system can cool heat-generating structures, but the system cannot operate effectively when ambient temperature exceeds or falls below desired levels
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric cooler is designed to perform multiple functions: it can remove thermal energy from the fluid coolant during normal operation, and it can also add thermal energy during reverse operation. This dual functionality allows the single device to handle both cooling and heating requirements, enabling the system to operate across extreme temperature ranges from -40°C to +50°C ambient conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation of the thermoelectric cooler based on real-time temperature conditions. The control system monitors ambient temperature and fluid coolant temperature, then selectively applies electrical current to the TEC in forward or reverse direction. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal cooling performance whether the ambient temperature is extremely hot or extremely cold.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a thermoelectric cooler is added to manage thermal energy selectively, then the system can operate in extreme environments, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric cooler serves as a universal thermal management device that can both remove and add thermal energy to the fluid coolant. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heating and cooling systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite adding the TEC component. The single device replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the thermoelectric cooler based on environmental conditions. By adjusting the direction and magnitude of electrical current applied to the TEC, the system adapts to varying ambient temperatures without requiring physical reconfiguration or additional components. This parameter-based control simplifies the system architecture compared to having multiple fixed-function devices.
3Temperature
If the thermoelectric cooler removes thermal energy selectively, then the heat sink temperature can be controlled, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the temperature of the heat sink and the fluid coolant, then adjusts the electrical current applied to the thermoelectric cooler accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that power is consumed only when and where needed to maintain optimal temperature conditions. The system automatically reduces or stops TEC operation when ambient conditions are already within the desired range, minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the electrical parameters (current magnitude and direction) applied to the thermoelectric cooler based on real-time temperature measurements. By adjusting these parameters rather than operating at fixed high power levels, the system achieves effective heat sink temperature control while minimizing overall power consumption. The TEC operates at optimal power levels only when environmental conditions require active thermal management.
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
This solution enables the cooling system to maintain optimal performance across a wide range of temperatures, reducing the need for refrigeration systems and minimizing size, weight, and power consumption, while allowing for efficient heat management in both hot and cold conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a condenser including a thermoelectric cooler that removes thermal energy away from the fluid coolant upon application of an electric current to the thermoelectric cooler
Implementation Method 2
thermal energy communicated from the heat-generating structure to the fluid coolant causing the fluid coolant substantially in the form of a liquid to boil and vaporize in the heat exchanger
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a cooling system (10) for a heat- generating structure (12) comprises a heat exchanger (123), a first structure (146), a condenser heat exchanger (141), and a second condenser (170). The heat exchanger (123) is in thermal communication with a heat-generating structure (112). The heat exchanger has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is operable to receive fluid coolant substantially in the form of a liquid into the heat exchanger, and the outlet is operable to dispense fluid coolant at least partially in the form of a vapor out of the heat exchanger. The first structure directs a flow of the fluid coolant substantially in the form of a liquid to the heat exchanger. Thermal energy communicated from the heat-generating structure to the fluid coolant causes the fluid coolant substantially in the form of a liquid to boil and vaporize in the heat exchanger.