Hybrid PC CoolingJoseph Sanches

Philip Modin

Background Computer enthusiasts often push their

system’s performance to its limits. Exceeding default settings causes excessive heat buildup, which may cause components to fail.

Problem Statement A lack or malfunction of proper cooling

may cause permanent damage to computer components. A powerful and reliable solution is needed to meet the demands of the high end user community.

Initial Research Articles Patents Solutions

How Liquid Cooled PCs Work

Article Summary:› The article lists five major components of liquid cooling a computer, as

well as an introduction to the concept and references to alternatives to liquid cooling a computer. The five major components of liquid cooling a computer are broken down into heat sinks, parts, pumps and radiator, reservoirs and tubing, and coolant liquid. 

Article Critique: › The article was written very well and the author cited their sources very

well. The article covered the concept well, but could have gone into more specifics, especially with materials and methods. The article was helpful, and the sources cited may prove to be useful in later stages of the project.

Attack Path:› Technical 

Article in APA Citation format:  › Wilson, T. (n.d.). How liquid-cooled pcs work. Retrieved from

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/liquid-cooled-pc.htm

Mineral Oil Cooled PC Article Summary:

› A custom computer company, Puget Systems, built a computer that was submerged in mineral oil as its primary cooling system. The article provides performance data and the company’s justification for constructing the project. It was formatted much like a lab report would be formatted; there was an intro with their thesis of what they predicted would happen followed by their procedures and performance result. A conclusion was written that accounted for any externalities that could have affected the project and what they would have done differently.

Article Critique:› The article provided useful information regarding the performance of the

system. It provided pictures which helped explain many of the concepts, and prove its legitimacy. Good primary source document.

Attack Path:› Technical 

Article in APA Citation format: › Bach, J. (2007, May 7). Mineral oil cooled pc.Retrieved from

http://www.pugetsystems.com/submerged.php

Computer Cooling Fan Vibration Isolation Apparatus

Patent: 5208730 Filed: October 28, 1992 Awarded May 4, 1993 Inventor: Mark S. Tray Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation Houston, TX Purpose: Isolates fan vibration from case and other components.

Converging Cooling Duct for a Computer Cooling System

Patent: 6587335 Filed: June 3, 2000 Awarded: July 3, 2010 Inventors: Daryl J. Nelson; Steve J. Loflnad; Eric J. Salskov Assignee: Intel Corporation Purpose: Draw in cool air from outside to cool a component.

Compact High Power Personal Computer with Improved Air Cooling System

Patent: 5218514 Filed: Jul 10, 1992 Awarded: Jun 8, 1993 Inventors: Duy Q. Huynh; Prabhakara R. Vadapalli Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation Armonk, N.Y. Purpose: Arrange the computer component layout so that air can easily travel from front to back while using a minimal amount of fans. 5218514

Liquid Cooling Pros› Extremely effective› Aesthetics

Cons› Inefficient› Moving parts› Fluid needs to be replaced› Expensive

Passive Pros

› Silent› No electricity required

Cons› Can’t cool demanding hardware› Large size

Fan Controller Cards Pros› Alarm to alert critical temperature› Support about 5 fans

Cons› Do not control pumps› Use 5.25” bays or PCI slots

Decision Analysis Must and Nice to Have Sketched Solutions Decision Analysis Specifications

Must & Nice to HaveMUST HAVES NICE TO HAVE

Keep components at low temperature

Minimal power consumption

Quiet operation Competitive with

current market price

Simple assembly/installation

Lightweight Small No potentially

dangerous leaks No regular input cost Aesthetically Pleasing

Heat Pipe Net HPN

Heat Sink Cooling Head HSCH

Heat Sink

Liquid Gas Heat Pipe Heat Sink Hybrid LGHPHSH

Decision Matrix

SpecificationsCustomer Requirements Design Solution FeatureMaximum noise level of 35 dB

Silent heat sink

Maximum CPU heat level of 60° Celsius

Large surface area to dissipate thermal energy

Low maintenance Optional use of tap water and cheaply available dry ice.

Consumer price below $65 Simple design for ease of manufacture

Low power consumption Passive heat sink that doesn’t use electricity

Good looking design for show

Physical design is aesthetically pleasing

Science and Mathematics Fourier’s Law Materials

Fourier’s Law q = k A dT / s

› q = quantity of heat (energy) (watts)› k = Thermal conductivity (W/m.K or

W/m oC, Btu/(hr oF ft))› A = Heat transfer area (m2, ft2)› dT = Difference in temperature (K or oC, oF)› s = Material thickness (m, ft)

Conductive Heat Transfer

Materials Aluminum

› 44 Btu/(hr oF ft2/ft)› Melting temperature 1220˚C

Copper-Brass› 64 Btu/(hr oF ft2/ft)› Melting temperature 1083˚C

Steel› Various grades of steel produce different

results

SummaryBackgroundInitial ResearchDecision AnalysisScience and Mathematics