US20260156780
2026-06-04
Electricity
H05K7/20327
A two-phase cooling system is designed to efficiently manage the heat generated by computer system components, such as CPUs and GPUs. This system comprises an enclosure divided into two volumes: the first volume houses a heat source and a liquid coolant, while the second volume contains the vapor of the coolant. The liquid coolant absorbs heat from the heat source, turning into vapor, which then travels to the second volume. A condenser situated in the second volume removes heat from the vapor, condensing it back into a liquid that returns to the first volume, thereby maintaining a continuous cooling cycle.
A critical component of this system is a deflector located in the first volume. The deflector's primary function is to manage the path of the vapor generated by the heat source. By diverting vapor away from specific components, the deflector prevents a reduction in liquid coolant density around those areas. This diversion ensures that the cooling efficiency is maximized, as the coolant maintains its ability to absorb heat effectively without being diluted by excessive vapor presence.
Liquid cooling systems, including two-phase systems, are gaining popularity in high-performance computing environments. They offer superior heat transfer capabilities compared to air cooling, thanks to the higher heat capacity of liquids. This results in quieter operation and more efficient cooling, which is crucial in data centers and environments where noise and space are significant concerns. These systems allow for higher-density server deployments by effectively managing the heat output, thus optimizing space and potentially reducing operational costs.
Two-phase cooling systems differ from phase-change cooling systems, although both utilize phase transitions to manage heat. Phase-change systems involve a refrigerant that cycles between liquid and gas states through a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator, forming a closed-loop. In contrast, two-phase systems operate with both liquid and vapor phases coexisting simultaneously, using a condenser to manage the vapor and return it to liquid form. This method enables continuous and efficient heat management.
During operation, the two-phase cooling system does not reach thermodynamic equilibrium but remains in a non-equilibrium steady state. The vapor generated by the heat source creates a density distribution within the second volume, characterized by a specific height. This distribution is not uniform; instead, it decreases exponentially with distance from the liquid surface. The vapor, being denser than air, tends to settle at the bottom of the second volume, ensuring effective heat transfer and system stability.