Liquid Cooling System Cold Plate Assembly

Abstract

A cold plate assembly ( 100 ) consisting of a base structure ( 102 ) having a high thermal transfer characteristic, which is adapted for contacting the surface of a heat source ( 10 ) on one side. A fluid transfer component ( 104 ), having a different thermal transfer characteristic is secured to the base ( 102 ) opposite from the heat source receiving side. The fluid transfer component ( 104 ) includes protrusions ( 106 ) adapted for placement into a flow of liquid coolant. A flow of liquid coolant is permitted to pass over the protrusions ( 106 ), but does not contact any portion of the base ( 102 ). Heat is then transferred from the heat source ( 10 ) through the base ( 102 ), into the fluid transfer component ( 104 ), and dissipated into the liquid coolant through the protrusions ( 106 ) which are immersed in the flow of liquid coolant passing through the chamber ( 105 A) via an inlet ( 108 A) and outlet ( 108 B).

1 . A cold plate assembly for use with a liquid cooling system, comprising:
 a base structure of first material having a high thermal transfer characteristic, said base structure adapted on at least one surface for contacting a heat source to facilitate a transfer of heat from said heat source to said base structure;   a fluid transfer component, said fluid transfer component formed from a second material having a second thermal transfer characteristic and adapted for partial immersion in a flow of liquid coolant on a first surface; and   wherein said fluid transfer component is coupled on a second surface, to a surface of said base structure to facilitate a thermal transfer of heat from the heat source, through said base structure and said fluid transfer component, to said flow of liquid coolant.   
   
   
       2 . The cold plate assembly of  claim 1  wherein at least one of said first and second materials is copper. 
   
   
       3 . The cold plate assembly of  claim 1  wherein at least one of said first and second materials is aluminum. 
   
   
       4 . The cold plate assembly of  claim 1  wherein said first material is copper, wherein said second material is aluminum. 
   
   
       5 . The cold plate assembly of  claim 1  wherein said base structure is coupled to said fluid transfer component by at least one of a bonding, welding, soldering, or brazing means. 
   
   
       6 . The cold plate assembly of  claim 1  wherein said fluid transfer component is a molded component. 
   
   
       7 . The cold plate assembly of  claim 1  wherein said fluid transfer component includes a plurality of protrusions on said first surface adapted for immersion in said flow of liquid coolant, said plurality of protrusions providing an increased surface area for an exchange of heat between said fluid transfer component and said flow of liquid coolant. 
   
   
       8 . The cold plate assembly of  claim 1  wherein said fluid transfer component includes a plurality of protrusions on said first surface adapted for immersion in said flow of liquid coolant, said plurality of protrusions directing a flow of liquid coolant within said fluid transfer component. 
   
   
       9 . The cold plate assembly of  claim 1  wherein said base structure is isolated from contact with said flow of liquid coolant by said fluid transfer component. 
   
   
       10 . The cold plate assembly of  claim 1  further including a housing defining an enclosed chamber over said first surface of said fluid transfer component, said housing including at least one inlet for receiving a flow of liquid coolant to said chamber, and at least one outlet for discharging a flow of liquid coolant from said chamber. 
   
   
       11 . The cold plate assembly of  claim 10  wherein said housing is integrally formed with said fluid transfer component.