[Amps] SS amps watercooling - was PowerGenius XL

Paul Christensen w9ac at arrl.net
Fri Feb 17 16:47:37 EST 2017


>"##  How the heck do they do vapor phase cooling with a cpu ?   Vapor phase
cooling works on the premise that the water is brought up to a boil.  And
thats
with normal sea level pressure."   

Vapor phase cooling doesn't require a completely closed system under
pressure.  In the case of the Alpha 70V, outlet temperature is held to about
70 degs. C with standard atmospheric pressure.  Under demand, a thermostat
closes, boosting boxer fan speed, increasing air flow past the condenser
fins.   

Bringing the water to a boil isn't necessary, nor is it wanted.  As water
temperature approaches 100 degs. C under standard atmosphere, bubbles build
and form an insulator against the tube's boiler.  Left out of control, the
boiler surface will exceed 100 degs C if too much of the surface is within
air bubbles.  For the same reason, I doubt any well-designed vapor-cooled PC
or SS amplifier uses a water outlet temperature above 70-80 degs. C.

Paul, W9AC



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