Thermoelectric Fluid Pump Cooling with Flow Rate Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal solutions for electronic and photonic components in telecommunications, such as fluidic pumps, are inadequate in scaling to meet future network demands and are affected by ambient temperature variations, leading to inefficient cooling performance.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric cooler-based fluidic pump system with a control circuit that measures and adjusts the fluid flow rate based on the power generated by the thermoelectric cooler, maintaining optimal operating conditions by varying the flow rate in response to temperature differences between the cooler's sides, ensuring consistent fluid inlet temperature despite ambient temperature fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fluidic pump is used for cooling electronic components, then heat can be removed from the components, but the system is affected by ambient temperature variations leading to inefficient cooling performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback control mechanism where a temperature sensor continuously monitors the temperature of the heat source (electronic component). Based on this temperature feedback, a control circuit adjusts the power supplied to the thermoelectric cooler to maintain optimal cooling performance despite ambient temperature variations. This closed-loop control ensures consistent cooling efficiency under varying environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operating parameters by adjusting the power input to the thermoelectric cooler based on measured temperature conditions. The control circuit modifies electrical parameters (voltage/current) to the thermoelectric cooler in response to temperature sensor readings, thereby adapting the cooling capacity to match the actual thermal load and ambient conditions, resolving the sensitivity to ambient temperature variations.
2Productivity
If the fluid flow rate is increased to improve heat removal, then cooling efficiency improves, but the system loses optimal operating conditions under varying ambient temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system where the fluid flow rate is not fixed but continuously adjusted based on real-time temperature measurements. The control circuit modifies the pump operation (or thermoelectric cooler operation that drives fluid circulation) in response to changing thermal conditions, allowing the system to maintain optimal operating points across varying ambient temperatures while adapting the heat removal rate to actual needs.
3Ease of operation
If a thermoelectric cooler is used to heat fluid and drive flow through the channel, then the system can cool the heat source, but the flow rate varies with ambient temperature affecting cooling consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses temperature feedback from the heat source to control the thermoelectric cooler operation. The control circuit monitors temperature and adjusts the electrical power supplied to the thermoelectric cooler accordingly, ensuring that the fluid flow rate and heating effect remain consistent despite ambient temperature changes. This feedback mechanism compensates for environmental variations and maintains reliable cooling performance.
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 system maintains optimal cooling performance by adjusting fluid flow rates to maintain a consistent fluid inlet temperature, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the fluidic pump, even under varying ambient conditions, and ensuring compliance with stringent standards like NEBS.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric cooler configured to be electrically powered to heat the fluid in the first chamber to cause the fluid to flow through the channel
Implementation Method 2
measure a parameter indicative of electric power generated by the thermoelectric cooler
Implementation Method 3
make thermal contact with a heat source to absorb heat from the heat source
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
Apparatus and method for pumping fluid to cool a heat source using a thermoelectric cooler to heat a fluid and cause it to flow from a first chamber to through a channel, to a second chamber and vice-versa to make thermal contact with the heat source. During a phase of operation, a control circuit switches off the thermoelectric cooler and measured the electric power generated by the thermoelectric cooler. Depending on the measured value of the power generated by the thermoelectric cooler the flow rate of the fluid is varied to ensure optimal cooling.