Thermal Pump Module With TEC Voltage Control for Device Temperature Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices, such as switches and routers, face overheating or underheating issues due to extreme ambient temperatures, which can lead to component failure, as they generate more heat with increased power and have limited operating temperature ranges.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a thermo-electric cooler, temperature sensors, and an analog control circuit that adjusts the output voltage to drive the thermo-electric cooler, regulating heat transfer by varying the voltage based on temperature measurements to maintain the device within a safe operating range, preventing overheating or underheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electronic devices are made more powerful to increase processing capability, then productivity is improved, but temperature rises causing overheating and component failure
Solution Approach 1:
A heat transfer medium (cold plate) is introduced as an intermediary between the electronic device and the thermal management system. The cold plate absorbs heat from the device and transfers it to a thermo-electric cooler, enabling efficient heat removal while maintaining device operation at higher power levels
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the power supply parameters to the thermo-electric cooler based on temperature measurements. As temperature increases, more power is supplied to the cooler to increase heat pumping capacity, thereby maintaining thermal stability during high-power operation
2Temperature
If cooling power is increased to maintain temperature during high power operation, then temperature is controlled, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
A temperature sensor continuously monitors the temperature of the heat transfer medium and feeds this information back to the power supply control circuit. The control circuit adjusts the power supplied to the thermo-electric cooler based on the measured temperature, ensuring cooling power matches actual thermal demand and minimizing energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static cooling power to dynamic cooling power adjustment. The power supply to the thermo-electric cooler is continuously varied based on real-time temperature conditions, allowing the system to consume minimal energy during low-heat generation periods while providing adequate cooling when 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
Effectively maintains the temperature of electronic devices within a safe range, reducing the risk of component failure by efficiently managing heat transfer, whether by cooling or heating, thus ensuring reliable operation across varying ambient temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a thermo-electric cooler that is placed in contact with the heat transfer medium. As the measured temperature of the heat transfer medium rises, more power is supplied to the thermo-electric cooler causing the thermo-electric cooler to pump more heat from the heat transfer medium
Implementation Method 2
reversing the flow direction through the thermal pump module 102 causes the thermal pump module to heat the heat transfer medium 105
Implementation Method 3
measure the temperature of a heat transfer medium (e.g., a cold plate) placed near or in contact with the device to be cooled
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulator is configured to receive an input voltage from a power supply, measure a temperature associated with a heat transfer medium, produce an output voltage to drive a thermo-electric cooler, and vary the output voltage in accordance with changes in the measured temperature. Varying the output voltage results in: 1) extracting of heat from the heat transfer medium when the measured temperature is above a threshold value, or 2) supplying of heat to the heat transfer medium when the measured temperature is below a threshold value. The voltage regulator can cap upper and lower bounds of the output voltage to prevent the thermo-electric cooler from reaching its saturation point. The voltage regulator can be configured to produce an output voltage having reduced voltage ripple.