Design points of Liquid Cold plate cooling system

Liquid Cold plate cooling system plays a key role in many fields with strict requirements for heat dissipation. The following are its design points.

1. Heat load analysis

In the early stage of design, the heat load of the equipment to be cooled must be accurately analyzed. Understand the power loss of the equipment and clarify the rate and distribution of heat generation. For example, in the server cooling of the data center, the heat generation power of different components such as CPU and GPU varies greatly. It is necessary to determine the total amount of heat that the Liquid Cold plate needs to take away based on these accurate data. This is the heat treatment benchmark for the entire system design.

2. Liquid Cold plate structure design

Flow channel design

The shape, length, width and roughness of the flow channel directly affect the flow characteristics of the coolant. A reasonable flow channel should ensure that the coolant flows evenly through the Liquid Cold plate and reduces the flow dead zone. For example, the use of a serpentine flow channel can extend the residence time of the coolant in the Liquid Cold plate and improve the heat exchange efficiency.

The diameter of the flow channel should be determined according to the flow and flow rate requirements of the coolant. Too small a diameter may cause excessive resistance to the flow of the coolant, while too large a diameter may slow down the flow of the coolant and affect the heat dissipation effect.

Liquid Cold Plate Material

Select materials with high thermal conductivity, such as copper and aluminum. Copper has excellent thermal conductivity, but its cost is high; aluminum is relatively low in cost and light in weight, and has more advantages in some applications that require weight (such as heat dissipation of aerospace equipment). At the same time, the mechanical properties of the material must also meet the requirements of the installation and use environment.

3. Selection of coolant

Thermophysical properties

The specific heat capacity of the coolant should be large, so that the temperature rise is small when the same amount of heat is absorbed. For example, water has a large specific heat capacity and is a commonly used coolant, but in some special environments, it may be necessary to add antifreeze or use a special organic coolant.

The thermal conductivity should be high to ensure that heat can be quickly transferred in the coolant.

Chemical stability

The coolant should have good chemical stability to avoid chemical reactions with the Liquid Cold Plate or other components during long-term use, and corrode pipes and equipment.

4. Selection of pump and radiator

Selection of pump

Select a suitable pump according to the flow and pressure required by the liquid cooling system. The flow of the pump should be sufficient to allow the coolant to circulate quickly in the system and take away the heat. The pressure should overcome the flow resistance in the system, including the resistance of the Liquid Cold plate flow channel, pipes, etc.

Selection of radiator

The heat dissipation capacity of the radiator should match the heat transferred from the Liquid Cold plate. Factors such as the heat dissipation area of ​​the radiator, the design of the heat dissipation fins, and the air volume of the fan will affect its heat dissipation efficiency. For example, in the heat dissipation of high-power equipment, it is necessary to select a radiator with a large heat dissipation area, high fin density, high fan speed, and sufficient air volume.

5. Sealing and connection design

Sealing design

The sealing of the coolant inside the Liquid Cold plate is crucial. Once a leak occurs, it will not only affect the heat dissipation effect, but may also damage other equipment. At the interface of the Liquid Cold plate and the internal flow channel seal, suitable sealing materials and sealing structures should be used. For example, use a rubber sealing ring and ensure that the flatness and roughness of the sealing surface meet the requirements during installation.

Connection design

The connection between the Liquid Cold Plate and components such as pipes, pumps, and radiators should be firm and reliable, and the flow resistance at the connection point should be minimized. Use appropriate connector types, such as quick-connect connectors or welded connectors, to ensure the sealing and stability of the connection.

The design of the Liquid Cold Plate cooling system is a comprehensive project that requires consideration from multiple aspects to ensure that the entire system operates efficiently and stably to meet the cooling needs of the equipment.