Cooling element optimizing -advanced help needed

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    Cooling Element
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around optimizing the thickness of the base of a copper cooling element designed to dissipate a 100W heat load from a small die using liquid nitrogen (LN2). Participants explore the heat transfer dynamics involved in this cooling system, considering factors such as surface area, material properties, and the configuration of the cooling element.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the cooling system setup, including the heat load, surface area, and material properties of the copper container.
  • Another participant provides a formula for heat transfer in an annular pipe, suggesting it may be relevant for calculating heat loss through the pipe.
  • A different participant expresses uncertainty about the specific goal of the calculations, questioning whether the focus is on the total heat entering the LN2 or the temperature of the heat source.
  • One participant mentions the need to divide the system into two parts (bottom and pipe) to simplify the calculations.
  • Another participant introduces Newton's law of cooling as a potential consideration for the discussion.
  • Clarification is provided that the aim is to determine the optimal thickness of the base of the cooling element while keeping it full of LN2.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the specific calculations needed or the criteria for determining the optimal thickness of the cooling element's base. Multiple viewpoints and uncertainties remain regarding the approach to the problem.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the system, such as the replenishment of LN2 and the criteria for acceptable temperatures for the heat source. The discussion also highlights the complexity of the heat transfer calculations involved.

Ilkka
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Here is the situation: We have 100w heatload coming from little die which has only 1cm^2 of surface area. We cool it with Ln2 as cold as possible (in normal atmospheric pressure) by using simple round container which is made of 99.99% copper. Let's assume that system is perfectly isolated so all the energy for Ln2 boiling comes from the 100w 1cm^2 surface area.

Lets easen the situation by choosing cooling elements wall thickness 5mm so that we have to optimize only the bottom thickness. The inside bottom surface area is roughly 3,25*3,25*3,14=33cm^2 and the wall surface area inside 6,5*3,14*20-x (around 390cm^2).

There are many holes in the task.

First of all we should know the amount of wattage 1cm^2 of copper surface area can transfer to Ln2. This also depends on the distance from the heat source so the core surface area above the core moves energy much more efficiently to Ln2 than in upper parts of the pipe due the temperature difference.

Lets assume the cooling element has smooth shining inside surface (bad for boiling but it makes sense for this task since the bottom thickness will be this way something else than "thinnest possible" since the extra surface area from upper section of the cooling element is needed for most cold result).

I don't know what level of knoweledge this forum has but I am thinking this as an "breakfast challenge" for some physics teacher or professor.


I will give more information if there is anyone who has slightest idea how to calculate this (i know this goes 3-dimensional stuff when done right). Here is picture from the system:

http://koti.mbnet.fi/ilkkahy/sekalaiset/container.JPG"
 
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The heat transfer of an annular pipe is:

[tex]q_r = \frac {2 \pi L k (T_{s,1} - T_{s,2} ) } {ln (\frac{r_2}{ r_2})}[/tex]

k- conduction coefficient ~= 401 W/m-C
Ts,1 = Temperature at hot surface (C)
Ts,2 = Temperature at cold surface (C)
L = length of rod
r = radius
r2 = radius outter (M)
r1 = radius inner (M)
 
Last edited:
I think that would help us calculating the heatloss (heat coming trough the pipe from ambient to ln2) but isn't what I am looking for here (im pretty sure there isn't ready formula for this one).

I figured that this system might need to be divided in two parts: bottom and pipe. Then it might be easier to solve.
 
Hi Ilkka,
It's not obvious to me what you're trying to determine. Are you trying to determine the total amount of heat that is going into the LN2 or are you trying to calculate the temperature of the 100 W heat source? If you're trying to determine what thickness the bottom of the container should be, what criteria do you have for the temperature that's allowed for the 100 W heat source? Also, are we to assume the supply of LN2 is to be replenished? If not, are you trying to determine how long the LN2 will last?
 
Keyword: Newton's law of cooing.
 
We are trying to find out optimal thickness of the base (presented X in the picture) of this copper cooling element to get 100w heat source as cold as possible. The cooling element is kept full of Ln2 as it boils away.

The picture i put in my first post should help a bit.
 

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