Silent Cooling Technologies for Submarine Electronics

Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. (ACT) proposes to develop a thermal management system for cabinet cooling that focuses on the use of silent and primarily passive cooling methods. The passive cooling methods selected have inherently low thermal resistances and will allow the ultimate heat sink to operate at a temperature significantly higher than the current solution. A higher temperature sink allows for a reduction in the volumetric flow rate of air required for cooling. The goal is to either completely eliminate the need for forced convection at the ultimate sink or significantly reduce the required flow rate. Doing so will enable the use of natural convection only or large diameter, low speed fans, respectively. Both of which will reduce the noise produced by the electronics cabinets while still providing the cooling required by the electronics. ACT will work with our partner to customize the cabinet design for integration of the proposed thermal management system. This customization will include optimization of air flow paths for natural convection, if feasible. At the end of Phase I, ACT will provide an advanced cabinet design with an integrated, silent thermal management system for review by Navy personnel.