ORCID Identifier(s)

0000-0002-7524-6158

Graduation Semester and Year

2018

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

First Advisor

Dereje Agonafer

Abstract

Modern high-power density modules often demand high amounts of power be invested in their cooling processes. Uneven heating at the chip level creates hotspots and temperature gradients across the module. A very effective way to conserve pumping power and address hotspots on the module is by targeted delivery of liquid coolant. One way to enable such targeted delivery of coolant is by using dynamic cold-plates (DCP) coupled with self-regulated flow control devices. This paper deals with the optimization and characterization of one such flow control device (FCD). The self-regulated FCD is actuated by a heat reactive shape memory alloy, Nitinol. A novel dual spring coupling comprised of a helical Nitinol spring and a Stainless-steel tension spring is used to regulate fluid flow as a function of temperature. Extensive experimental testing was done on Nitinol springs to estimate the amount of force generated and displacement produced during its phase change. Nitinol hysteresis was also comprehensively documented after experimental testing. The prototype FCD that would house the dual spring actuator was designed to deliver a range of flowrates, highest of which can sufficiently cool a 200W module with heat density of 50W/cm2. 6Sigma is used to do CFD analysis on the flow control device. An experimental test rig was built to test the FCD prototype. Flow range over a fixed temperature range was obtained using the same.

Keywords

Liquid cooling, Data center cooling, Dynamic cold plate, Flow control device

Disciplines

Aerospace Engineering | Engineering | Mechanical Engineering

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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