Two-Phase Electronic Cooling System with Turbulent Fluid Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal management techniques for high-powered electronic devices, such as heat sink and fan combinations and two-phase cooling systems, are inadequate for effectively dissipating heat under extreme operating conditions, often resulting in acoustic noise and maintenance issues with pumps.
Innovation Solution
An electronic system that includes a liquid holding section thermally coupled to the device, with an impermeable section featuring channels and passages for fluid communication, utilizing two different fluids where the second fluid boils and mixes with the first fluid to enhance heat transfer, potentially eliminating the need for a pump by using capillary action and pressure-activated valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat sink and fan combination is used to cool electronic device, then heat dissipation capability is improved, but acoustic noise increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fan system with a two-phase cooling system that uses phase change (liquid to vapor) and capillary action for fluid circulation. This eliminates the need for mechanical fans, thereby reducing acoustic noise while maintaining heat dissipation capability through evaporative cooling and condensation cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of the coolant (liquid to vapor during evaporation, vapor to liquid during condensation) to transfer heat from the electronic device. The evaporator absorbs heat by vaporizing the coolant, and the condenser releases heat by condensing the vapor, providing effective cooling without mechanical fans
2Temperature
If pump is added to two-phase cooling system to improve coolant circulation, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but reliability decreases due to maintenance requirements and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service cooling system where the coolant circulates automatically through capillary action in the wick structure and pressure differential created by phase change. The system self-regulates coolant flow and heat transfer without external pumps or mechanical components, eliminating maintenance requirements and improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the pressure differential created by phase change (vapor pressure in evaporator, condensed liquid pressure in condenser) to drive coolant circulation through the system. This pneumatic-hydraulic mechanism replaces mechanical pumps while maintaining effective coolant flow and heat transfer
3Temperature
If existing two-phase cooling system is used for high-powered electronic device, then cooling capability is improved, but the system fails under extreme operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase transitions (evaporation and condensation) of the coolant to provide adaptive cooling capability. The phase change process naturally adjusts to varying heat loads, allowing the system to effectively manage thermal energy under extreme operating conditions by absorbing excess heat during vaporization and releasing it during condensation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in physical parameters (temperature, pressure, phase state) of the coolant to adapt to varying operating conditions. The system automatically adjusts coolant flow rates, evaporation temperatures, and condensation pressures in response to changing thermal loads, providing superior adaptability to extreme conditions
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 system provides superior cooling capabilities for high-powered electronic devices by increasing heat transfer efficiency through turbulent fluid flow and reducing the need for pumps, thus addressing the limitations of existing cooling methods.
Implementation Method 1
a first fluid that flows through the channel in the impermeable section to facilitate heat transfer from the electronic device to the first fluid
Implementation Method 2
a second fluid that flows from the liquid holding section through the plurality of passages into the channel when the second fluid boils within the liquid holding section due to heat transfer from the electronic device to the second fluid
Implementation Method 3
The thermal energy causes a coolant within the evaporator or flow channels to turn from a liquid into a vapor (i.e., to evaporate) or vapor-liquid mixture
Implementation Method 4
As the second fluid emerges from each of the passages, the second fluid mixes with the first fluid such that the flow within the channel becomes more turbulent. This more turbulent flow within the channel increases the capacity of the first and second fluids to transfer heat from the electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
The electronic system includes an electronic device and a liquid holding section that is thermally coupled to the electronic device. The electronic system further includes an impermeable section that engages the liquid holding section. The impermeable section includes a channel and a plurality of passages that provide fluid communication between the liquid holding section and the channel. The electronic system further includes (i) a first fluid that flows through the channel in the impermeable section to facilitate heat transfer from the electronic device to the first fluid; and (ii) a second fluid that flows from the liquid holding section through the plurality of passages into the channel when the second fluid boils within the liquid holding section due to heat transfer from the electronic device to the second fluid. In some embodiments, the first and second fluids are different types of substances.