Patent ID: 8248801
Filing Date: 2012-08-21
Classification: H05K

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for facilitating dissipation of heat from an electronic component, the apparatus comprising: a liquid-cooled structure, the liquid-cooled structure being coupled in thermal communication with the electronic component; a coolant loop coupled in fluid communication with the liquid-cooled structure, the coolant loop comprising a first loop portion and a second loop portion; a liquid-to-air heat exchanger coupled in fluid communication with the liquid-cooled structure via the coolant loop, and receiving coolant therefrom, the liquid-to-air heat exchanger cooling coolant passing therethrough by dissipating heat from the coolant to air passing thereacross; and a thermoelectric array comprising at least one thermoelectric module, the thermoelectric array being disposed with the first loop portion of the coolant loop at least partially in thermal contact with a first side thereof, and the second loop portion of the coolant loop at least partially in thermal contact with a second side thereof, wherein the thermoelectric array operates to transfer heat from coolant passing through the first loop portion to coolant passing through the second loop portion, the thermoelectric array cooling coolant passing through the first loop portion before the coolant passes through the liquid-cooled structure, and wherein the coolant passing through the first loop portion, after passing through the liquid-cooled structure, passes through the liquid-to-air heat exchanger for cooling thereof and the coolant passing through the second loop portion, after receiving heat via the thermoelectric array, passes through the liquid-to-air heat exchanger for cooling thereof.