A Concept for a Miniature, Mechanically Pumped Two-Phase Cooling Loop

A concept for a miniature, mechanically pumped two-phase cooling loop with high thermal performance was developed. In this feasibility study, a miniature, annular gear pump was inserted into the liquid line of a two-phase LHP-type loop architecture. In contrast to capillary-pumped systems, the functions of liquid pumping and evaporative heat transfer were separated and could be optimized independently. The cooling system was tested in terms of heat transport capability, performance and stability using water as the working fluid. The results show a high heat transfer coefficient of >11 W/(cm²K), a high heat transport capability of >70 W/cm², and stable working behavior in all orientations. These results were obtained with a device using a simple loop architecture and an evaporator design that was not optimized for this kind of operation.