Refrigerant system for cooling electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular electronic cooling systems are insufficient in maintaining electronics at safe operating temperatures, especially in high heat conditions, as they rely on passive cooling methods that are not effective in all circumstances.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular refrigerant system that includes a compressor, condenser, expansion device, and liquid coolant loop, with a controller that adjusts compressor speed, condenser fan speed, and liquid pump speed based on sensor information such as temperature and pressure to dynamically manage cooling, potentially disabling system components when active cooling is not required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If passive cooling is used for electronics, then system complexity is reduced, but cooling effectiveness is insufficient in high heat conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic cooling system that transitions from passive to active cooling based on real-time temperature sensor data. The controller activates the compressor, condenser fan, and expansion device only when temperature thresholds are exceeded, creating a dynamically adaptive system that maintains reliability while minimizing unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor electronics temperature and provide feedback to the controller. This feedback mechanism enables the system to intelligently determine when active cooling is required, resolving the contradiction by making the cooling system responsive to actual thermal conditions rather than constantly operating or remaining entirely passive.
2Temperature
If active refrigerant cooling is continuously operated, then electronics temperature is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic rather than continuous operation of the active cooling system. The controller monitors temperature periodically and activates the refrigerant system components (compressor, condenser fan, expansion device) only when temperature thresholds are exceeded, thereby maintaining electronics temperature while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time temperature conditions. By transitioning between active and inactive states based on sensor feedback, the system maintains effective cooling when needed while minimizing energy consumption during normal operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between temperature maintenance and energy use.
3Reliability
If compressor speed is increased, then cooling capacity is improved, but energy consumption and mechanical stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable speed control of the compressor based on real-time temperature sensor data. The controller adjusts compressor speed dynamically, increasing it only when temperature thresholds indicate high cooling demand, and reducing or stopping it when cooling is sufficient. This dynamic adjustment maintains cooling capacity when needed while minimizing energy consumption and mechanical stress during normal 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 approach enhances the effectiveness and efficiency of electronic cooling, reducing the risk of system failure, minimizing repair times and costs, and optimizing energy consumption by dynamically adjusting cooling operations based on real-time data.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a condenser configured to condense the compressed refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from a liquid coolant to the expanded refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
The various implementations described herein include methods, devices, and systems for cooling a vehicular electronics system. In one aspect, a vehicular refrigerant system includes: (1) a refrigerant loop having a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant, a condenser configured to condense the compressed refrigerant, an expansion device configured to enable expansion of the condensed refrigerant, and a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from a liquid coolant to the expanded refrigerant; (2) a liquid coolant loop configured to transfer heat from an electronics system via the liquid coolant; and (3) a controller configured to: (a) obtain operating data regarding the refrigerant, the liquid coolant, and/or the electronics system; and (b) adjust operation of the refrigerant loop and/or the liquid coolant loop based on the obtained operating data.