91298 - Laboratory of Measurements for Electronics Cooling Applications M

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student masters the techniques for diagnosing and documenting thermal management problems in electrical equipment. Direct laboratory experimentation is used as a complement to analysis in the design of thermal management solutions. The Laboratory is focused to air-cooled systems as this encompasses the widest range of electrical equipment and it allows us to deal with a manageable number of topics. The course involves lectures and laboratory experience, with a strong emphasis given to hands-on activity in the lab. Students who take this course will gain direct experience with sensors for temperature, pressure, and flow measurements. The second part of the Laboratory will be devoted to experiments on systems experiencing conduction, forced convection, free convection, and radiation heat transfer. The students will make measurements on system components such as fins, inlet grills, fans, mock-up systems useful in the prototype design phase, test and diagnose techniques for existing electronic and electrical equipment with thermal management problems.

Course contents

Fundamentals of heat transfer. Design of finned heat sinks and heat exchangers. Miniaturized systems for thermal control of electronic devices. Microfluidics in electronic devices.

Theory and design of mechanical and thermal measurements. Temperature measurements. Pressure measurements. Heat flux and thermal power measurements.Sensors and their calibration.

Interactive experimental activities with ARDUINO.

Readings/Bibliography

Figliola R S and Beasley D E 2011 Theory and Design for Mechanical Measurements (New York: John Wiley & Sons)

Kraus A D and Bar-Cohen A 1983 Thermal Analysis and Control of Electronic Equipment, (New York: McGraw-Hill)

Teaching methods

Each topic is explained both teoretically and experimentally. A series of specific laboratory experiences are foreseen.

Assessment methods

A specific problem will be assigned to each student.

The exam is based on an oral test and the discussion of the solutions proposed for the specific problem assigned to the candidate.

Teaching tools

Lessons are based on didactical material available on IOL.

Slides (powerpoint) and blackboard are used. The didactical laboratory of Fisica Tecnica will be used during the course.

Office hours

See the website of Gian Luca Morini