Patent ID: 7903409
Filing Date: 2011-03-08
Classification: G06F,H01L,Y02D

Abstract:
1. A system for cooling an electronic device having a heat-generating component, said system comprising: a passive cooling device comprising a phase change material that is in a solid state at a first range of temperatures and melts into a liquid state at a predetermined temperature that is relatively higher than the first range of temperatures, said phase change material having a cooling ability designed to substantially expire after a predetermined amount of heat is absorbed from the heat-generating component, wherein the passive cooling device does not require electrical energy to provide cooling; an active cooling device to dissipate heat generated by the heat-generating component and cool the passive cooling device when the active cooling device is activated, wherein the active cooling device requires electrical energy to provide cooling, and wherein the active cooling device is to dissipate heat directly from the heat-generating component without the heat being first directed through the passive cooling device; and a controller configured to activate the active cooling device after a determination that a predetermined threshold condition has occurred to thereby substantially minimize power consumption of the active cooling device in cooling the heat-generating component, wherein the predetermined threshold condition is related to the substantial expiration of cooling ability of the phase change material.