Thermodynamics Problem for a Project I Want to Build

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design of a geothermal cooling system intended for cooling computer components, specifically the CPU and GPU. Participants explore the necessary calculations and variables involved in determining the required surface area of a copper pipe array, referred to as a "georad," which will be submerged in groundwater.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster outlines the specifications of their geothermal cooling system, including maximum temperatures for the CPU and GPU, flow rate of the coolant, and the temperature of the groundwater.
  • Some participants suggest that the heat output of the CPU and GPU is critical for calculations, noting that these components have specific wattage outputs that vary with usage.
  • One participant mentions the difficulty of calculating heat output from first principles and recommends examining existing water-cooled systems for reference.
  • The original poster provides additional details about the copper pipe, including its wall thickness, which may affect thermal conductivity and surface area calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the specific calculations needed for the design. There are differing views on how to approach the problem, particularly regarding the importance of the CPU and GPU's heat output and the efficiency of the cooling system.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that the efficiency of the water blocks on the CPU and GPU is a significant factor, but the original poster lacks specific data on these components. The discussion also highlights the assumption of 100% efficiency for the water blocks, which may not reflect real-world conditions.

mhumm2
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Hello. I have an idea for a geo-thermal cooling system which I want to use to cool the CPU and GPU of my computer. My goal is quiet (fan-less, and dust-less) computing with a very high cool factor (as in Fonzy, not temperature) <grin>. I suppose you'd call this a proof of design concept. So here's the problem:

I will be pumping a water-based coolant through copper pipe that is immersed in ground water at the bottom of a well. I call the The copper pipe array a "georad" (geothermal radiator). Here's the problem: I need to know the size of the georad I have to build.

I know:

- the Max CPU temp (60°C), Desired Max temp (40°C)
- the Max GPU temp (70°C), Desired Max temp (50°C)
- the flow rate of the coolant (5 Liters/min)
- the temp of the ground water (15°C)
- amount of heat generated by pump: negligable
- amount of temp xfer between georad and computer: negligable

I'll be using 3/4" copper pipe. I need an equation that will give me X surface area of copper needed. Then I could simply convert that surface area into Y number of 3/4" copper pipes totalling the same surface area.

Please let me know if there's some variable I'm missing. The givens above are worst case in order to derive the maximum surface area needed. I realize the water blocks on the CPU and GPU (which will be in series by the way) have significant bearing on this problem, but i have no specs or numbers on them. Like my high-school physics class using "frictionless" pulleys, let's assume the water blocks are 100% efficient.

Please advise.
 
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Depends on your CPU and GPU. They put out a certain number of watts depending on how much computation they are doing. This is something that is kind of hard to calculate from first principles, so you should just look at some similar water cooled systems and see what they use.
 
Khashishi,

Thank you for your response. Currently, I'm aware of 3 geothermal cooling systems including the one I want to build, as described above. I have studied traditional cooling systems for years. As far as my CPU: 125Watts, and my GPU: 150Watts. Thanks again.

mhumm2
 
Added information: The wall thickness of the copper is 1/8"
 

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