Computational Modeling of Two-Phase Cooling Systems for Future Generation Electronics

The overall objective of the proposed research is to develop a comprehensive, efficient, and well-validated computational method for the prediction of thermodynamic and hydrodynamic performance of various types of two-phase cooling systems for next generation electronics. The proposed computational method will use a novel two-level approach that involves a system-level solution with an embedded component-level calculation. The component-specific solution of the conservation equations will use the hybrid approach involving homogenous, separated, and annular two-phase flow regimes. The system-level solution will utilize these component characteristics to predict the system performance in a generalized manner. Component models will be developed for Finned-tube Condensers and Evaporators, Microchannel Heat Sinks, Spray Cooled Devices, Pumps, and Accumulators. An extensive literature search will be undertaken to construct a set of correlations for local characterization of two-phase flows for use in component-level analysis. The model will be validated using data already available in the literature and measurements on practical two-phase systems. Phase I effort has successfully demonstrated the feasibility of developing the two-level computational method and its utility in the design of a practical two-phase pumped-loop system. The computational framework developed in Phase I research provides a sound foundation that will be generalized in Phase II research for the analysis of all types of complex two-phase systems being explored for the cooling of next-generation electronics.