a recent article from thermal engineering company advanced thermal solutions, inc. (ats) outlined the working fluids that can be used with cold plates as part of liquid cooling systems in the electronics industry.
a liquid cooling system for a desktop pc with two cold plates. (advanced thermal solutions, inc.)
as the article noted, choosing the right liquid is of paramount importance to the liquid cooling system achieving optimal results.
“the wrong liquid can lead to poor heat transfer, clogging, and even system failure,” it explained. “a proper heat transfer fluid should provide compatibility with system’s metals, high thermal conductivity and specific heat, low viscosity, low freezing point, high flash point, low corrosivity, low toxicity, and thermal stability.”
water is the basic choice for liquid cooling systems, although generally an additive such as glycol is used in conjunction with water to make it more suitable for the operating temperature of the cold plate. corrosion is another issue that must be considered, so the working fluid must be compatible to the metal and other materials in the liquid cooling system.
the article runs through the most common fluids used in electronics cooling, including water, deionized water, inhibited glycol and water solutions, and dielectric fluid.
“it is important to select a heat transfer fluid that is compatible with your fluid path, offers corrosion protection or minimal risk of corrosion, and meets your application’s specific requirements,” the article concluded. “with the right chemistry, your heat transfer fluid can provide very effective cooling for your liquid cooling loop.”
read the full article at https://www.qats.com/cms/2017/11/13/fluids-can-used-liquid-cold-plates-electronics-cooling.
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