In the pursuit of superior cooling solutions for high-performance systems, two-phase immersion cooling has garnered significant attention for its potential efficiency. However, recent scrutiny has uncovered notable drawbacks, prompting a search for superior alternatives. SolidT emerges as a beacon of progress, offering a groundbreaking solution that addresses the limitations of traditional two-phase immersion systems.
Closed-loop two-phase immersion cooling systems, essentially variations of the known heat pipe, function by compressing a dielectric liquid through tubes. Upon encountering a hot surface, the liquid evaporates, absorbing heat and transitioning into a gas. This gas then travels to a radiator, where it undergoes a phase change back to liquid. The liquid then recirculates through the system to repeat the cooling process.
The advantage of such systems lies in their efficiency in dissipating heat, surpassing that of other passive solutions such as traditional heat pipes, cold plates, or heat sinks. Additionally, these systems offer improved reliability and reduced maintenance requirements compared to traditional air-cooling methods
Figure 1: close loop two phase immersion system scheme (source: Carrar)
Despite their initial appeal, two-phase immersion systems exhibit notable shortcomings. These systems suffer from several disadvantages:
- Lack of precise cooling: Two-phase immersion systems struggle to provide precise temperature control, resulting in inefficiencies.
- Inability to cool below the evaporation temperature: Limitations in cooling capabilities restrict their effectiveness.
- Inoperability at temperatures above the evaporation threshold: These systems cease to function effectively in warmer environments and do not function at all whenever the environment temperature is above the evaporation temperature.
- Dependence on pumps and mechanical components: Reliance on such components adds complexity and maintenance requirements.
- Inability to provide heating: Limited utility in applications requiring both cooling and heating is a significant drawback.
- Liquid-related hazards: The presence of liquids poses risks of leaks and spills, potentially causing equipment damage and safety hazards.
- Environmental concerns: Immersion fluids may not always be environmentally friendly, raising sustainability issues.
- Size disadvantage: Due to the need for compressing looping and liquids, the system is relatively big and does not fit small applications. The sizing issue affects system efficiency.
- Gravity effects: Due to liquids operating in the system, the system is sensitive to gravity, losing efficiency when changing axes. This is a significant drawback in mobile applications.
Figure 2: close loop two phase immersion system interface unit.
Inlet and outlet liquid channels are visible (source: JetCool)
SolidT represents a groundbreaking solution that is revolutionizing cooling technology. Unlike two-phase immersion systems, SolidT offers a solid-state TEC, providing a streamlined, efficient, and precise cooling solution. By eliminating the need for compressors and mechanical components, SolidT reduces complexity, costs and maintenance requirements. Furthermore, SolidT delivers precise cooling, operates across a wider temperature range, and eliminates the risk of liquid-related hazards. Its environmental friendliness further underscores its superiority over conventional systems. As an active solution, SolidT devices are unaffected by outside temperatures or gravity issues. With variable dimensions, SolidT solutions are adaptable to any requirement, from electronics to batteries to sensors—virtually anything. SolidT is leading a revolution by providing a true local decentralized system that combines both heating and cooling in the same solution.
It’s worth mentioning that there is a possibility to incorporate a two-phase immersion system as a subsystem to SolidT’s TEC. While SolidT’s efficient TEC removes or moves the heat from the target, the two-phase immersion system can dissipate the delivered heat away from the heating area. Of course, the two-phase immersion system is not the only solution that SolidT can use for dissipation, but it is one tool in the heat dissipation toolbox.
In conclusion, while two-phase immersion systems hold promise, their inherent drawbacks necessitate a more advanced alternative. SolidT’s innovative design addresses these shortcomings, setting a new standard for cooling solutions and paving the way for enhanced efficiency and reliability across various applications. Two-phase immersion systems can act as a subsystem that assists with heat dissipation to SolidT’s TEC.