Date of Graduation

7-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Advisor/Mentor

Hu, Han

Committee Member

Xiaoqing, Song

Abstract

The expeditious implementation of electronic systems in confined spaces are continuing to decrease in size, this puts pressure on thermal management systems to follow this trend. This effect is amplified where peak power loss far exceeds average power loss. This leads to over spec’d thermal management system that is often greatly underutilized, PCM enhanced Heat Sinks provide a solution. They absorb excess heat during peak periods and release it when power loss returns to average levels. PCM heat sink will require less volume and material to deal with the extra power loss. PCM’s utilize the latent heat capacity when transitioning from a solid to a liquid to absorb energy without an increase in temperature. PCM enhanced heat sinks can decrease the maximum temperature achieved during transient power loss applications. This project primary objective aims to provide the University of Arkansas’s Power Switch Lab with a unique thermal solution utilizing phase changing material for a high current SiC SSCB. This thermal solution will help define the various effects of implementing a thermal buffer during transient power loss conditions. The current thermal solution is a direct metal laser sintered heat sink made of an aluminum composite, AlSi10Mg. This hybrid heat sink attaches directly to the SiC SSCB via machine screws. The thermal solution also comes equipped with a fan that connects to the heat sink, to provide a solid thermal solution with zero moving parts. The phase changing material is sealed within a cavity using a breather vent that allows air the chamber pressure to reach equilibrium with the outside atmosphere while keeping the liquid PCM confined. This thesis aims to present a detailed procedural outline encompassing the design, manufacturing, and testing phases, as well to investigates the viability of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) as a solution for Solid State Circuit Breaker (SSCB) and prospective cooling applications.

Keywords

Phase Change Material, Heat Sink, Silicon Carbide Circuit Breaker, PCM

Available for download on Sunday, October 10, 2027

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