Zero-Gravity Liquid Cooling Using EHD Flow and DEP Bubble Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cooling methods for electronics in zero gravity environments, such as space exploration, are inefficient at high heat flux levels due to the inability of vapor bubbles to rise from the heated surface without gravity, making pool boiling impractical.

Innovation Solution

A combined electrohydrodynamic (EHD) and dielectrophoretic (DEP) cooling approach is employed, where EHD electrodes pump cooling fluid towards a heat sink and DEP electrodes use a diverging electrical field to extract vapor bubbles away from the heated surface, overcoming the absence of gravity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional liquid cooling methods are used in zero gravity environments, then the cooling system can operate in space, but vapor bubbles cannot rise from the heated surface making pool boiling impractical at high heat flux levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidadaptability to zero gravity environment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the anti-weight principle by using electric fields to counteract the absence of gravitational force. Specifically, electrohydrodynamic (EHD) electrodes generate electrical forces that replace gravity's role in driving liquid flow toward the heated surface, while dielectrophoretic (DEP) electrodes create electrical forces that counteract the lack of buoyancy to remove vapor bubbles from the heated surface. This allows pool boiling to function effectively in zero gravity environments despite the absence of gravitational forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Productivity

If pool boiling is used for cooling, then high heat flux levels can be removed, but in zero gravity vapor bubbles accumulate on the heated surface preventing effective heat transfer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat removal capacityVSAvoidheat transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dielectrophoretic (DEP) electrode applies the anti-weight principle by generating electrical forces that counteract the absence of gravitational buoyancy. The DEP electrode creates a non-uniform electric field that exerts dielectrophoretic forces on vapor bubbles, pulling them away from the heated surface and replacing gravity's natural bubble removal function. This enables sustained pool boiling at high heat flux levels without bubble accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the mechanical gravitational force system with an electrical field system. Instead of relying on gravity-driven convection and buoyancy, the invention uses EHD and DEP electrical forces to control liquid flow and vapor bubble removal. This substitution of mechanical gravitational effects with electrical field effects enables pool boiling to function in zero gravity environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables effective heat transfer and cooling of electronics at high heat flux levels in zero gravity environments by making pool boiling feasible, thereby enhancing cooling efficiency in space applications.

Implementation Method 1

An EHD pumping mechanism is defined by an array of alternating, polarized electrodes surrounding a heat sink coupled to the processor for heat exchange

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrohydrodynamic (EHD): Electrohydrodynamics

Implementation Method 2

a dielectrophoretic (DEP) electrode disposed above the center of the heat sink extracts the generated vapor bubbles away from the heated surface with a diverging electrical field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectrophoretic (DEP): Dielectric

Implementation Method 3

a thermally conductive layer or coating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12324128B2Gravity independent liquid cooling for electronics

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE

AI summary

A combined electrohydrodynamic (EHD) and dielectrophoretic (DEP) cooling approach for a processor or similar electronics in a zero gravity environment is beneficial in space exploration. An EHD pumping mechanism is defined by an array of alternating, polarized electrodes surrounding a heat sink coupled to the processor for heat exchange, such as a thermally conductive layer or coating. The array may be circular, rectangular, or any suitable geometry, generally guided by a shape of the heat sink/processor. Cooling fluid is drawn or pumped towards the heat sink by EHD electrodes, and a dielectrophoretic (DEP) electrode disposed above the center of the heat sink extracts the generated vapor bubbles away from the heated surface with a diverging electrical field. One configuration calls for a radial arrangement of EHD electrodes drawing the cooling fluid towards a centrally located heat sink.