Cooling Electronic Equipment at Simulated High Altitude in Hypobaric Chambers

摘要

An air cooling system has been designed to minimize electronic equipment failures during simulated exposures to 9,000 meters (29,000 ft) in hypobaric chambers. Air density, critical to convective heat transfer during electronic equipment operations, diminishes rapidly below 830 grams cubic meter (16,000 ft, 5,000 meters) resulting in equipment failures. Forced convection, using fans, can be effective up to 6,000 meters but extensive equipment failures occur at higher altitudes. A newly designed cooling system incorporates a micrometer- like air- flow control nozzle that directs compressed air onto the subject area. The design also accelerates surrounding air molecules to create a highly amplified flow by adding the entrained ambient air to the compressed air. Air flows may be directed on heat exchangers, power supplies, through ventilation ports, ports, to assist fan units, and for general in-cabinet cooling.