Improved Thermal Management Systems Using Advanced Materials and Fluids
Funded by US Army TARDEC
Project Summary
In this research program, Aegis Technology is to develop and demonstrate a novel class of thermal management technology by utilizing nanocoolant and graphite foam materials that would enable the implementation of high-efficiency, compact thermal management for future power electronics systems. This nanocoolant-based thermal management is anticipated to dramatically enhance the cooling effectiveness and capabilities as compared with a commercially used cooling method, therefore resulting in a much smaller, lighter cooling system that can be directly applicable to both the military and commercial applications.
The objective of this Phase I project is to demonstrate the feasibility of implementing the proposed concept for the thermal management of power electronic devices, which can be scaled up for various power levels and configurations. In this Phase I accomplished, we have successfully carried out the technical feasibility studies of the proposed concept through design, modeling and prototyping. The primary research activities of this Phase I study included: (1) Modeling and simulation to evaluate the benefits of using nanocoolant and graphite foam in the heatsinks in order to establish the basis for proper structure designs and design optimizations; (2) Design and prototype of nanocoolant, and metalized graphite foam heatsink; and (3) Demonstration and characterization of a complete heatsink using the nanocoolant and graphite foam heatsink with a particular attention to evaluate the properties and performance of nanocoolants.
Through this Phase I study, we have successfully demonstrated the feasibility of proposed concept, which shows the promisingly thermal performance enhancement of nanocoolants and graphite foam heatsink as well. The methodology and experience accumulated in the Phase I, including modeling, design and processing, can be utilized throughout the subsequent Phase II of this project, which will optimize both structure and material processing, produce and test scaled-up thermal management systems, and demonstrate the technical benefits of the proposed technology in a systematic level.