Kylmälevyt

Kylmälevyt, often translated as cold plates, are components used for thermal management in various applications. Their primary function is to dissipate heat from a source to a cooling fluid, typically water or a specialized coolant. This process is crucial for maintaining the optimal operating temperature of electronic devices, engines, and other heat-generating systems.

The design of a kylmälevy usually involves a metal block, often made of copper or aluminum due to their high thermal conductivity, with internal channels or passages. A heat-generating component, such as a CPU or a power transistor, is attached to one surface of the cold plate. As the component heats up, the heat is transferred to the cold plate. The coolant then flows through the internal channels, absorbing the heat from the cold plate and carrying it away to be dissipated elsewhere, often through a radiator or a heat exchanger.

Kylmälevyt are employed in a wide range of fields. In computing, they are essential for cooling high-performance processors and graphics cards. In the automotive industry, they can be found in engine cooling systems and in electric vehicle battery thermal management. Industrial applications include cooling power electronics, lasers, and specialized machinery. The efficiency of a kylmälevy depends on factors such as the material used, the design of the internal channels, the flow rate of the coolant, and the contact thermal resistance between the heat source and the plate.