Model-Based Dynamic Control of Active Thermal Management System

Two-phase cooling technologies, pumped two-phase and vapor compression systems in particular are highly desirable advanced thermal management systems due to the large amounts of heat transfer capabilities available via boiling flow, as well as the inherent isothermality of two-phase processes. However, two-phase heat exchangers face distinctive challenges such as flow boiling instabilities and critical heat flux. In this work, we make developments toward a simulation framework to provide a real-time capability for thermal modeling, simulation and control using embedded software capabilities of Matlab/Simulink. The framework utilizes a highly accurate finite control volume approach to model two-phase heat exchangers, semi-empirical map model for variable speed pump, and one dimensional fluid flow model for pipe. The framework is validated experimentally under transient heat loads against a pumped two-phase loop with two parallel evaporators at Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc.