Previously, aerospace and military, high heat-flux, electronics have been cooled with phase-change-modules composed of a metal-matrix saturated with a solid phase-change-material. This method requires the heat to be transferred from the source location, through the metal matrix, to the available phase-change-material. Empirical evaluations indicate that wick-based coldplates including non-metallic porous media, saturated with fluid may be much more effective. This wick-based method allows the capillary action of the wick to passively transport liquid from liquid-rich areas to the point of need; a much more efficient process. The optimization of a wick-based coldplate involves a careful balance between the wickability of the working fluid and its heat of vaporization (i.e. cooling capacity). The wickability and transient cooling capacity of both ethanol-water and methanol-water mixtures were empirically evaluated for the full mass fraction range. Testing procedures and results will be described in detail.

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