How to Build a High-Performance Liquid Cooling Loop for Electronics?

Project Overview: Electronics Cooling

Cooling Approach: Liquid-Cooled System

Client Demand: Grupo Comsurlab in Mexico seeks a custom liquid cooling solution from RIGID for electronics. They require a compact, powerful liquid chiller, incorporating essential components like cold plates, pumps, and heat exchangers. The design must consider material compatibility, cooling performance, and installation space constraints for specialized laboratory applications.

Recommended Product: Large Liquid Chiller

Background

Grupo Comsurlab, a leading laboratory equipment supplier in Villahermosa, Mexico, specializes in providing advanced solutions for industries such as Oil, Molecular Biology, and Clinical Research. Facing the challenge of managing increasing electronic heat loads in their specialized lab environments, they approached RIGID to design a custom liquid cooling system.

This project aims to develop a compact yet powerful liquid chiller tailored to their specific requirements. The design will incorporate key components like cold plates, pumps, and heat exchangers, while addressing critical factors such as material compatibility, cooling performance, and space constraints, ensuring optimal thermal management for high-performance systems.

Grupo Comsurlab Partners with RIGID to Develop Advanced Liquid Cooling System for Specialized Laboratory Applications

Villahermosa, Mexico – Grupo Comsurlab, a leading laboratory equipment supplier in Villahermosa, Mexico, has announced an exciting partnership with RIGID, a renowned provider of compact cooling solutions. This collaboration is set to revolutionize thermal management within specialized laboratory environments by developing a custom liquid cooling system tailored to Grupo Comsurlab’s specific needs. The project focuses on designing a cutting-edge liquid chiller to address the increasing electronic heat loads generated by high-performance embedded systems in various industrial and research applications.

Grupo Comsurlab is recognized for equipping laboratories across multiple sectors, including the Oil Industry, Molecular Biology, Wastewater Management, Soil Mechanics, Clinical Research, and Universities. The company provides specialized equipment, reagents, glassware, accessories, consumables, containers, furniture, laboratory clothing, as well as technical maintenance and accredited calibrations.

However, with the rise of more complex embedded systems and the increasing number of sensors and signals processed in these environments, the company has observed a surge in concentrated electronic heat loads. This growing heat generation threatens the reliability and longevity of the devices used in these critical applications. Traditional air cooling solutions have proven insufficient for such demanding scenarios, prompting Grupo Comsurlab to seek more efficient thermal management solutions.

RIGID’s Custom Liquid Chiller: A Tailored Solution

In response to Grupo Comsurlab’s requirements, RIGID will design and manufacture a custom liquid cooling system that combines compactness with power. This large liquid chiller will be specifically engineered to match the installation space constraints while delivering exceptional cooling performance.

Large Power Chiller KVB150Z-24

• Compressor: DC Inverter Compressor
• Unit Model: KVB150Z-24
• Refrigerant: R134A
• Working Current: 22A
• Net Weight: 59lbs / 27 Kgs
• Running Voltage: 20V - 32V
• Power Supply: 600W (6,069Btu)
• Cooling Capacity: 1780W (6,138Btu)
• External Dimension: 600 x 480 x 360mm

* Customized service is available.

Applications:

Hospital, Medical-Aesthetic Cooling; Pure Water cycling refrigeration, and any other liquid cycling equipment which request both environmental-friendly and efficient.

Key features of the custom liquid chiller:

• 1780W High Power Cooling: The chiller boasts an impressive cooling capacity of 1780W (6,069 Btu), making it ideal for managing high heat loads in demanding environments.
• Compact Design: Despite its powerful capabilities, the chiller is designed to be small in size and lightweight, ensuring easy integration into space-constrained laboratory setups. This compactness does not compromise its performance, as it maintains a high power density.
• 24V DC Compressor: The system is powered by a durable 24V DC compressor, which ensures efficient operation with lower power consumption. This feature is particularly beneficial in reducing operational costs and minimizing heat rejection in the laboratory environment.
• R134A Refrigerant: The chiller uses R134A refrigerant, known for its environmental friendliness and efficiency. This refrigerant is widely used in various cooling applications due to its low global warming potential (GWP) and high energy efficiency.
• Temperature Stability: The liquid chiller is engineered to provide high precision and accuracy in temperature control, ensuring that the laboratory equipment remains within the desired thermal range at all times.
• Durability and Portability: The system is built to withstand harsh environments, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Its lightweight construction further enhances portability, allowing for easy relocation and installation as needed.

RIGID’s Expertise in Small Cooling Systems

RIGID has earned a reputation as a pioneer in developing miniature cooling systems that combine efficiency, reliability, and versatility. Their range of products is designed to cater to various industries, including life sciences, aerospace, automotive, and electronics, where precise thermal management is crucial.

Some of RIGID’s small cooling system products include:

• Micro DC Aircon-Cool Solutions: RIGID offers compact air conditioning systems that provide efficient cooling in confined spaces. These micro aircon units are ideal for applications where space and power consumption are limited, yet effective cooling is essential. Industries such as telecommunications, medical devices, and military equipment have benefited from these solutions.
• Miniature Compressors: RIGID’s miniature compressors are at the core of their cooling systems. These compressors are designed for high efficiency and reliability, making them suitable for both cooling and heating applications. Their small size and lightweight nature make them perfect for portable and space-constrained environments.
• Liquid Chillers: In addition to the custom liquid chiller being developed for Grupo Comsurlab, RIGID also offers a range of standard liquid chillers. These systems are designed to provide precise temperature control for applications such as laser cooling, semiconductor equipment, and medical imaging devices. RIGID’s liquid chillers are known for their compact design, low noise operation, and energy efficiency.
• Thermoelectric Cooling Units: RIGID’s thermoelectric coolers use the Peltier effect to provide solid-state cooling in applications where traditional refrigerants are not feasible. These units are often used in scientific research, instrumentation, and portable refrigeration systems.
• Cooling Modules for Embedded Systems: As embedded systems become more advanced, RIGID’s cooling modules are designed to handle the increased thermal loads. These modules are optimized for use in compact electronics, ensuring that devices remain cool even under heavy processing loads.

Addressing Key Design Considerations

In designing the custom liquid cooling system for Grupo Comsurlab, RIGID will take into account several critical factors to ensure the system’s effectiveness and reliability:

• Component Selection: The liquid cooling loop will incorporate key components such as cold plates, heat exchangers, pumps, connectors, tubing, coolant, reservoirs, and filters. Each component will be carefully selected to ensure optimal performance and compatibility with the system.
• Load Calculations: RIGID’s engineering team will perform detailed load calculations to properly size the liquid loop. This ensures that the system can handle the heat load generated by the electronics without overloading or underperforming.
• Pump Power Calculation: Proper pump selection is crucial for maintaining the correct flow rate and pressure within the liquid loop. RIGID will calculate the required pump power to ensure efficient coolant circulation and effective heat transfer.
• Material Compatibility: Ensuring that all materials within the system are compatible is vital to prevent corrosion and degradation. RIGID will select materials that are resistant to corrosion and compatible with the chosen coolant, extending the lifespan of the system.
• Condensation Control: To prevent condensation, especially in environments with significant temperature differences, RIGID will incorporate insulation and other design measures to maintain system integrity and prevent moisture-related issues.
• Reliability of Quick Disconnect Connectors: Quick disconnect connectors are essential for ease of maintenance and service. RIGID will select connectors that are both reliable and durable, ensuring the system remains leak-free and easy to maintain.
• System Configuration and Accessibility: The liquid cooling system will be designed with a focus on accessibility for maintenance and service. Components that require regular checks or replacements, such as filters and reservoirs, will be easily accessible to reduce downtime.

The Future of Thermal Management in Specialized Laboratories

This collaboration between Grupo Comsurlab and RIGID represents a significant step forward in the development of advanced thermal management solutions for specialized laboratory applications. As electronic systems continue to evolve, the demand for more efficient and reliable cooling methods will only increase. Liquid cooling systems, with their superior heat transfer capabilities, offer a viable solution to the limitations of traditional air cooling, particularly in high-performance environments.

By partnering with RIGID, Grupo Comsurlab is positioning itself at the forefront of this technological shift, ensuring that their laboratories are equipped with the latest and most effective cooling solutions. This project not only addresses their current needs but also sets the stage for future advancements in thermal management within the industry.

Grupo Comsurlab is a leading provider of laboratory equipment, consumables, and services in Villahermosa, Mexico. The company serves a wide range of industries, including the Oil Industry, Molecular Biology, Wastewater Management, Soil Mechanics, Clinical Research, and Universities. With a focus on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Grupo Comsurlab has become a trusted partner for laboratories across the region.

RIGID is a global leader in the design and manufacture of compact cooling systems for various industries, including life sciences, aerospace, automotive, and electronics. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, RIGID provides high-performance cooling solutions that meet the unique demands of modern technology. Their product portfolio includes micro air conditioning units, miniature compressors, liquid chillers, thermoelectric cooling units, and more. RIGID’s solutions are trusted by engineers and designers worldwide to keep their systems running cool and efficiently.