Patent ID: 6587336
Filing Date: 2003-07-01
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A cooling system for a portable computer which includes a computer body having a heat generating electronic element therein, and a display section having a screen connected in an openable manner to the computer body, the cooling system comprising:a cold plate assembly having a surface thermally coupled to the heat generating electronic element; a heat exchange structure disposed within the openable display section of the portable computer, said heat exchange structure including a channel structure formed therein, the channel structure being hollow and having a first fluid flow cross-sectional area; a conduit for carrying coolant between the cold plate assembly and the hollow channel within the heat exchange structure; a circulation pump for circulating coolant through the conduit between the cold plate assembly and heat exchange structure in a manner causing heat from the heat generating electronic element to be transferred to the coolant, and carried by the coolant to said heat exchange structure for dissipation therefrom; and an expansion chamber integrated within the heat exchange structure disposed within the openable display section of the portable computer, the expansion chamber being in fluid communication with the channel structure formed in the heat exchange structure and providing space for expansion of the coolant, as well as providing a reservoir for the circulation pump from which to draw coolant for circulation through the cold plate assembly, the expansion chamber having a second fluid flow cross-sectional area, wherein the second fluid flow cross-sectional area of the expansion chamber is greater than the first fluid flow cross-sectional area of the channel structure.