How Does a Liquid Cooling System Work
1.Basic Components of a Liquid Cooling System
·Cooling Medium
The cooling medium is crucial. Common ones are water and ethylene glycol aqueous solutions. Water’s high specific heat capacity makes it good for heat absorption, but its low boiling point and freezing – prone nature in cold limit applications. Ethylene glycol solutions address these, with properties like boiling and freezing points, and corrosiveness affecting cooling. High – temperature devices need high – boiling – point media.
·Pump
The pump powers the cooling medium’s circulation. Centrifugal pumps, with high – speed impellers, offer large flow and stability, suitable for big systems like data centers. Positive – displacement pumps, changing cavity volume, provide high pressure, useful for systems with small – diameter pipes and high resistance.
·Heat Sink
Heat sinks dissipate heat from the cooling medium. Fin – type and plate – type are common. Fin – type uses fins for air contact and heat removal; plate – type has cooling medium flow between metal plates. Materials like copper and aluminum are used. Aluminum – made heat sinks are popular due to cost – effectiveness. Suppliers make various aluminum extrusion heat sinks, with designs like heat sink tubes and fins boosting efficiency.
·Pipes and Connectors
Pipes guide the medium. Metal pipes have strength and conductivity but are heavy and costly, while plastic pipes are light, cheap, and corrosion – resistant but weak in high – temp and pressure. Connectors ensure no leakage, vital for system operation.
2.Working Principle of a Liquid Cooling System
·Heat Absorption Stage
Take CPU cooling. When it runs, heat transfers to the shell. The nearby cooling medium, like in a water – cooled head, absorbs heat. CPU heat sinks expand contact, accelerating heat transfer.
·Circulation and Transmission Stage
The pump drives the heated medium through closed pipes to the heat sink. Pipes act as guides. Despite friction losses, the pump’s power ensures heat transfer.
·Heat Dissipation Stage
At the heat sink, heat is lost via conduction, convection, and radiation. Fin – type sinks use fins for convective heat loss. The design impacts efficiency.
·Cooling Medium Return Stage
The cooled medium returns to the heat – source, repeating the heat – absorption cycle, maintaining the device’s proper temperature.
3.Characteristics of Liquid Cooling Systems in Different Application Scenarios
·Data Centers
In data centers, with high server density, liquid cooling is crucial. Rack – type and immersion cooling are common. Rack – type cools server components precisely. Immersion cooling offers better heat absorption. Custom heat sinks, made with various processes, enhance efficiency. Liquid – cooled racks and cabinets ensure server stability.
·Automotive Field
Automotive engines need efficient cooling. The system adjusts to different engine conditions. Cold plates transfer engine heat to coolant. Developments in cold – plate tech improve cooling. Overall solutions keep the engine at the right temperature.
·Electronic Devices
For small electronics like phones and tablets, miniaturized liquid cooling is key. Heat pipes and vapor chambers are used. Liquid cold plates and water – cooled heat sinks are popular. LED heat sinks ensure LED performance.
