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Two-Phase Spray Cooling of Hybrid Vehicle Electronics

Journal Article · · IEEE Transactions on Components and Packaging Technologies

As part of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Power Electronics and Electric Machines Program area, the DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is currently leading a national effort to develop next-generation cooling technologies for hybrid vehicle electronics. Spray cooling has been identified as a potential solution that can dissipate 150-200 W/cm2 while maintaining the chiptemperature below 125degC. This paper explores the viability and implementation of this cooling scheme. First, commercial coolants are assessed for their suitability to this application in terms of thermal, environmental, and safety concerns and material compatibility. In this assessment, HFE-7100 is identified as the optimum coolant in all performance categories. Next, spray models are used todetermine the HFE-7100 spray conditions that meet such stringent heat dissipation requirements. These findings are verified experimentally, demonstrating that spray cooling is a viable thermal management solution for hybrid vehicle electronics.

Research Organization:
NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States))
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
DOE Contract Number:
AC36-08GO28308
OSTI ID:
1340641
Report Number(s):
NREL/JA-540-43986
Journal Information:
IEEE Transactions on Components and Packaging Technologies, Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Components and Packaging Technologies Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 32; ISSN 1521-3331
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English