COMPACT MODULAR LIQUID COOLING SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRONICS
A cooling system for a microchip or other component is described, including, in one embodiment: (1) a cold plate assembly positioned adjacent (e.g., in contact with) the component to be cooled; (2) at least one heat exchanger; (3) a fan for directing gas adjacent (e.g., through) a portion of the heat exchanger; and (4) a pump for circulating cooling fluid through a closed circuit including the cold plate and heat exchanger. The cold plate may include guide fins that define macrochannels and microchannels that serve as conduits for the cooling fluid. The fins and channels in one embodiment are shaped to substantially match the heat map profile of the chip or component to be cooled. The heat exchanger in one embodiment includes a reservoir in its base which may cooperate with a recess or channel in a support plate to form an additional cooling fluid flow passage.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/310,384, entitled Integrated, Modular, Multi-Scale Liquid Cooling System for Electronics Thermal Management, filed Mar. 4, 2010, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUNDElectronic components including microchips and microprocessors generate large amounts of heat relative to their size during normal operation. As processor speed increases, a related increase in heat energy represents a serious challenge to progress, especially as devices get smaller and components get more densely packed together. The ability to dissipate heat energy is becoming a critical design constraint for all types of electronic devices. Existing systems fail to provide satisfactory cooling performance and represent a serious limiting factor on the overall speed and performance of electronic devices.
SUMMARYA cooling system for electronic components (or other objects), according to various embodiments, comprises: (1) a cold plate assembly defining at least one cold plate fluid flow passage, the cold plate defining an upper and a lower surface; (2) at least one heat exchanger disposed adjacent the upper surface of the cold plate assembly, each of the at least one heat exchangers comprising at least one heat exchanger fluid flow passage; (3) a fan that is positioned for causing gas to flow adjacent the heat exchanger; (4) one or more liquid conduits for facilitating the flow of a cooling fluid through an at least substantially closed circuit that extends through the cold plate fluid flow passage and the at least one heat exchanger fluid flow passage; and (5) a pump that is positioned and configured to cause the cooling fluid to flow through the substantially closed circuit. In particular embodiments: (1) the cold plate assembly comprises: (A) a cold plate; and (B) a support plate disposed immediately adjacent the upper surface of the cold plate; (2) a perimeter of the support plate is longer than a perimeter of the cold plate; and (3) the cooling system is adapted to be positioned adjacent an electronic component and to cool the electronic component.
A cooling system for electronic components (or other items) according to further embodiments comprises: (1) a cold plate assembly defining at least one cold plate fluid flow passage, the cold plate assembly defining an upper and a lower surface; (2) at least one heat exchanger defining at least one heat exchanger fluid flow passage; (3) a fan positioned to cause gas to flow adjacent the heat exchanger; (4) one or more liquid conduits for facilitating the flow of a cooling fluid through an at least substantially closed circuit that extends through the cold plate fluid flow passage and the at least one heat exchanger fluid flow passage; and (5) a pump that is positioned and configured to cause the cooling fluid to flow through the at least substantially closed circuit. In particular embodiments, (1) the cooling system is adapted to be positioned so that the cold plate assembly engages an electronic component to thereby cool the electronic component; (2) a lower portion of the heat exchanger and a particular portion of the upper surface of the cold plate assembly cooperate to form a fluid reservoir; and (3) the cooling system is adapted so that, as cooling fluid flows through the at least substantially closed liquid circuit: (A) at least a portion of the cooling fluid flows through the fluid reservoir; and (B) as a volume of the cooling fluid flows through the fluid reservoir, the volume of the cooling fluid engages both an interior surface of the lower portion of the heat exchanger and the particular portion of the upper surface of the cold plate assembly.
A method of cooling an electronic component, according to various embodiments, comprises: (1) providing a cold plate assembly that defines at least one cold plate fluid flow passage and that includes a plurality of fins that are disposed within the fluid flow passage; (2) providing at least one heat exchanger that defines at least one heat exchanger fluid flow passage; (3) providing a fan that is positioned to cause gas to flow adjacent the at least one heat exchanger; (4) providing a pump that is adapted for circulating a cooling fluid first through the at least one heat exchanger fluid flow passage and then through the at least one cold plate fluid flow passage; (5) using the pump to repeatedly recirculate the cooling fluid first through the at least one heat exchanger fluid flow passage and then through the at least one cold plate fluid flow passage; (6) while executing Step (5) above, using the fan to cause gas to flow adjacent the at least one heat exchanger; and (7) using the cold plate assembly to cool the electronic component.
Having thus described various embodiments in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
Various embodiments of the invention are directed toward systems and methods of cooling small heat-producing devices, including electronic components such as microchips. Removing or dissipating the heat energy away from electronic components may facilitate better speed and performance and reduce the number and severity of failure events. Although several embodiments are discussed with reference to cooling a microchip, the invention may be applied to any of a variety of other heat-producing devices that may benefit from cooling.
In one embodiment, a cooling system may include a volume of cooling fluid and a cold plate positioned near a microchip or other object to be cooled, a pump for circulating the cooling fluid through conduits in the system, one or more heat exchangers to cool the fluid, a fan to circulate gas (such as air or an inert gas) adjacent the heat exchangers, and a support plate for supporting the system's various components. Liquid water, with or without additives, or any other suitable cooling fluid, may be used as a cooling fluid within the context of the cooling system. Any of a variety of types of heat exchangers may be used, separately or in combination, in series or parallel, and using any type of flow arrangement. Examples of these components are described below in various implementations.
Exemplary Cooling SystemAs shown in
As noted above, in particular embodiments, the cooling system 10 includes a cold plate 100 for cooling objects that are positioned adjacent (e.g., so that they are engaging) the cold plate 100. In particular embodiments, the cold plate 100 is in the form of a substantially planar, rectangular parallelogram and defines a cold plate inlet 110, a cold plate outlet 115, and a substantially fluid-tight cold plate fluid flow passage 120 that extends from the cold plate cold plate inlet 110 to the cold plate outlet 115. In particular embodiments, the cold plate 100 includes a lid that is adapted to maintain the substantially fluid-tight nature of the fluid flow passage 120.
In particular embodiments, the cold plate is made of a highly thermally conductive metal, such as copper. However, in other embodiments, the cold plate 100 may be made of any other suitable material.
An exemplary cold plate 100 is shown in
In the above configuration, the cold plate 100 is adapted to direct a cooling fluid from the cold plate's inlet 110, through the fluid flow passage's entry portion 130, through the microchannels 160 defined by the substantially parallel set of guide fins 150, through the fluid flow passage's exit portion 165 and out of the cold plate's outlet 115. As discussed in greater detail below, during this process, the cooling fluid engages the various guide fins 135, 150, 170 and thereby removes heat from the guide fins). This allows the cold plate 100 to absorb heat from objects that are adjacent and/or in contact with, the cold plate 100.
As may be understood from
As shown in
As may be understood from
In various embodiments, the guide fins are configured and spaced according to the needs indicated by a heat map of an object (e.g., a computer chip or other electrical component) to be cooled by the cold plate 100. For example, a tighter cluster of pin fins may be provided adjacent a portion of the object that has been determined, through heat mapping techniques, to be particularly hot.
Support PlateAs discussed above, the cooling system 10 may include a support plate 200, that is attached adjacent (e.g., to) a surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the cold plate 100, and that is adapted for supporting one or more of the cooling system's other components. As shown in
In various embodiments, the support plate 200: (1) is made of a highly thermally conductive material (e.g., a highly thermally conductive metal such as copper, or other suitable material); (2) is substantially planar; (3) is relatively thin; (4) and has a footprint that is larger than a footprint of the cold plate 100 (e.g., the perimeter of the support plate 200 may be at least about 40%, at least about 50%, or at least about 60% larger than the perimeter of the cold plate 100). This may allow the support plate 200 to serve the duel functions of supporting certain cooling system components and dissipating heat from the cold plate.
The support plate 200 (as well as the other components) may be sized and shaped to fit within any of a variety of spaces. For example, the support plate 200 in one embodiment may be substantially square in shape and measure 75 millimeters along one side.
Heat ExchangersAs shown in
Although plate and frame heat exchangers are shown and described in various embodiments, any suitable type or number of heat exchangers may be used, in series or parallel, using any suitable type of flow arrangement. Although various heat exchangers are described herein as using single-phase liquid water, either single-phase or phase-change heat exchangers may be appropriate for certain applications.
FanAs noted above, the cooling system 10 shown in
Although the fan 500A shown in
As shown in
As shown in
When the cooling system embodiment described above is in operation, the component to be cooled (e.g., a computer chip or other electric component) is positioned adjacent the cold plate 100 so that, for example, the component is in physical contact with the cold plate 100. While the component is positioned adjacent the cold plate 100, the pump 300 repeatedly circulates a cooling fluid through an at least substantially closed circuit that extends through the cold plate's fluid flow passage 120 and the heat exchangers' respective fluid flow passages 415. This serves to cool the component.
More particularly, after the cooling fluid passes through the cold plate's fluid flow passage 120 and absorbs heat from the computer chip 50 or other component as described above, the cooling fluid exits the cold plate 100 through the cold plate's outlet 115 as shown in
After being cooled by the cooling system's heat exchangers 400A, 400B, 400C, the fluid may be driven by a pump 300 toward the cold plate's inlet 110 and into the cold plate 100, as shown in
The fan may be located and positioned in any way that facilitates a beneficial flow of gas around the heat exchangers, pump, fan housing, and/or other components of the system, as well as nearby components or structures in the vicinity.
Similarly,
A cold plate assembly 100 according to various embodiments is depicted, in plan view, in
As depicted in
A cooling system according to a second embodiment may include at least one heat exchanger that is adapted to facilitate the flow of cooling fluid over a portion of the cold plate's upper surface. An example of such a heat exchanger 400G is shown in
In the cooling system depicted in
As in the first embodiment, the flow of cooling liquid through the cold plate assembly 100 absorbs heat from the chip 50 or other component. Referring to
The flow of gas produced by natural convection and by the fan 500F around the heat exchangers promotes heat transfer, further cooling the fluid. Heat transfer may be aided by a heat exchanger made of copper or other conducting material, or a heat exchanger with fins or other shapes and features to promote radiant heat transfer.
After being cooled through one or more heat exchangers, the fluid may be driven by a pump 300 toward a central portion 190 (
A cooling system according to a third embodiment may include at least one heat exchanger that is adapted to facilitate the flow of cooling fluid over a portion of the cold plate's upper surface. An example of such a heat exchanger 400R and the cold plate assembly 100 with which it cooperates, is depicted in FIGS. 16 and 17A-D. As may be understood from
Like the central portion 145 of the cold plate fluid flow passage depicted in
In this third embodiment, the flow of cooling liquid across and through the cold plate assembly 100 absorbs heat from the chip 50 or other component. Referring to
Referring to
In one embodiment, the cooling system may be positioned such that at least a portion of the bottom surface of the central portion 190 of the cold plate assembly (which, in this example, is simply a cold plate) is contact with the microchip or other heat-producing component. The flow of cooling fluid through the fin channel 195, including the central portion 190, helps cool the corresponding bottom surface and thereby helps absorb heat energy from the chip 50. As shown in
Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. For example, as will be understood by one skilled in the relevant field in light of this disclosure, the invention may take form in a variety of different mechanical and operational configurations. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purposes of limitation.
Claims
1. A cooling system for electronic components comprising:
- a cold plate assembly defining at least one cold plate fluid flow passage, said cold plate defining an upper and a lower surface;
- at least one heat exchanger disposed adjacent said upper surface of said cold plate assembly, each of said at least one heat exchangers comprising at least one heat exchanger fluid flow passage;
- a fan that is positioned for causing gas to flow adjacent said heat exchanger;
- one or more liquid conduits for facilitating the flow of a cooling fluid through an at least substantially closed circuit that extends through said cold plate fluid flow passage and said at least one heat exchanger fluid flow passage; and
- a pump that is positioned and configured to cause said cooling fluid to flow through said substantially closed circuit, wherein: said cold plate assembly comprises: (A) a cold plate; and (B) a support plate disposed immediately adjacent said upper surface of said cold plate, wherein a perimeter of said support plate is longer than a perimeter of said cold plate; and said cooling system is adapted to be positioned adjacent an electronic component and to cool said electronic component.
2. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein said pump is positioned adjacent said upper surface of said cold plate assembly.
3. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein said heat exchanger is at least substantially semi-annular.
4. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein:
- said cold plate comprises a plurality of fins that define a plurality of microchannels; and
- said cooling system is adapted so that, as cooling fluid flows through said closed liquid circuit, at least a portion of said cooling fluid flows through said plurality of microchannels.
5. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein:
- said cold plate comprises a plurality of interrupted fins; and
- said cooling system is adapted so that, as said cooling fluid flows through said closed liquid circuit, at least a portion of said cooling fluid flows through one or more passages defined by said plurality of interrupted fins.
6. The cooling system of claim 5, wherein:
- said plurality of interrupted fins comprises a plurality of pin fins.
7. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein:
- said heat exchanger is mounted adjacent said support plate;
- a lower portion said heat exchanger and a particular portion of said upper surface of said support plate cooperate to form a fluid reservoir; and
- said cooling system is adapted so that, as cooling fluid flows through said closed liquid circuit: at least a portion of said cooling fluid flows through said fluid reservoir; and as a volume of said cooling fluid flows through said fluid reservoir, said volume of said cooling fluid engages both an interior surface of said lower portion of said heat exchanger and said particular portion of said upper surface of said support plate.
8. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein said fluid reservoir is at least substantially semi-annular.
9. A cooling system for electronic components comprising:
- a cold plate assembly defining at least one cold plate fluid flow passage, said cold plate assembly defining an upper and a lower surface;
- at least one heat exchanger defining at least one heat exchanger fluid flow passage;
- a fan positioned to cause gas to flow adjacent said heat exchanger;
- one or more liquid conduits for facilitating the flow of a cooling fluid through an at least substantially closed circuit that extends through said cold plate fluid flow passage and said at least one heat exchanger fluid flow passage; and
- a pump that is positioned and configured to cause said cooling fluid to flow through said at least substantially closed circuit, wherein:
- said cooling system is adapted to be positioned so that said cold plate assembly engages an electronic component to thereby cool said electronic component;
- a lower portion of said heat exchanger and a particular portion of said upper surface of said cold plate assembly cooperate to form a fluid reservoir; and said cooling system is adapted so that, as cooling fluid flows through said at least substantially closed liquid circuit: at least a portion of said cooling fluid flows through said fluid reservoir; and as a volume of said cooling fluid flows through said fluid reservoir, said volume of said cooling fluid engages both an interior surface of said lower portion of said heat exchanger and said particular portion of said upper surface of said cold plate assembly.
10. The cooling system of claim 9, wherein said fluid reservoir is at least semi-annular.
11. The cooling system of claim 9, wherein said lower portion of said heat exchanger defines an elongated opening that is disposed immediately adjacent said upper surface of said cold plate assembly.
12. The cooling system of claim 11, wherein:
- said cold plate assembly defines an elongated recess adjacent said elongated opening that comprises at least part of said fluid reservoir;
- said cold plate assembly comprises a plurality of fins disposed within said elongated recess; and
- said cooling system is adapted so that, as cooling fluid flows through said closed liquid circuit: at least a portion of said cooling fluid flows through said fluid reservoir; and as a volume of said cooling fluid flows through said fluid reservoir, said volume of said cooling fluid flows through a plurality of channels defined by said fins.
13. The cooling system of claim 12, wherein said plurality of fins comprises a plurality of pin fins.
14. The cooling system of said claim 9, wherein said elongated opening is substantially annular.
15. The cooling system of claim 9, wherein said cold plate assembly comprises an electronic component engagement portion that is adapted for engaging said electronic component while said cooling system is being used to cool said electronic component; and
- said electronic component engagement portion is disposed adjacent a central portion of a bottom surface of said cold plate assembly.
16. The cooling system of claim 15, wherein said electronic component engagement portion is positioned beneath said fan.
17. A method of cooling an electronic component comprising:
- (A) providing a cold plate assembly that defines at least one cold plate fluid flow passage and that includes a plurality of fins that are disposed within said fluid flow passage;
- (B) providing at least one heat exchanger that defines at least one heat exchanger fluid flow passage;
- (C) providing a fan that is positioned to cause gas to flow adjacent said at least one heat exchanger;
- (D) providing a pump that is adapted for circulating a cooling fluid through: (1) said at least one heat exchanger fluid flow passage; and (2) said at least one cold plate fluid flow passage;
- (E) using said pump to repeatedly recirculate said cooling fluid through: (1) said at least one heat exchanger fluid flow passage, and (2) said at least one cold plate fluid flow passage;
- (F) while executing said Step (E), using said fan to cause gas to flow adjacent said at least one heat exchanger; and
- (G) using said cold plate assembly to cool said electronic component.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein said step of using said cold plate assembly to cool said electronic component comprises maintaining said electronic component in physical contact with at least a portion of said cold plate.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein said step of using said pump to repeatedly recirculate said cooling fluid through: (A) said at least one heat exchanger fluid flow passage, and (B) said at least one cold plate fluid flow passage comprises using said pump to repeatedly recirculate said cooling fluid first through one or more channels defined by said plurality of fins.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein said one or more channels are microchannels.
21. The method of claim 17, wherein said plurality of fins are substantially uniformly spaced apart from each other within said cold plate fluid flow passage.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein said plurality of fins comprises at least five fins.
23. The method of claim 17, wherein said step of using said pump to repeatedly recirculate said cooling fluid first through said at least one heat exchanger fluid flow passage and then through said at least one cold plate fluid flow passage comprises using said pump to repeatedly recirculate said cooling fluid over an upper surface of said cold plate assembly.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein said step of using said pump to repeatedly recirculate said cooling fluid over a portion of said upper surface of said cold plate assembly comprises using said pump to repeatedly recirculate said cooling fluid over said upper surface in at least a substantially semi-annular path.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 4, 2011
Publication Date: Nov 10, 2011
Inventors: Yogendra K. Joshi (Atlanta, GA), Emad Samadiani (Binghamton, NY), Ashish Sinha (Atlanta, GA), Ven Holalkere (Alpharetta, GA)
Application Number: 13/041,345
International Classification: F28D 15/00 (20060101);