Low-cost Thermal Management Technology for Combat Systems Computers

Using a fluid dynamic energy separation technique, in combination with thermoelectric generators (TEGs), a unique hybrid cooling system using low grade waste heat is proposed. This system uses the concept of fluid structure interactions and vorticity redistribution to produce large levels of vorticity within working fluid and thereby generate large temperature gradients in the working fluid which can be isolated and extracted. The completed unit will require little to no external power which will result in no operating costs. Likewise, the thermal separator has no moving parts and will also not require any maintenance. Also, the unit will require no external cooling air or chilled water lines which will drastically decrease the footprint compared to the current configurations and eliminate spatial positioning restrictions. .ESI, teamed with GTS, is well positioned to transition the prototype from this STTR to DoD and other Federal Agencies. ESI and GTS see even greater potential in promoting these STTR advancements in the commercial business sector as well, with first emphasis on businesses requiring significant Data Centers (Google, Amazon, etc.), Fortune 500 Corporate IT centers, and large building management firms (where office building computing infrastructure is a significant cost driver).