초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for testing cooling units used in computers is presented. Testing of such cooling systems increases the reliability thereof, which in turn increases the reliability of the computers utilizing these cooling systems. The cooling system tester comprises a test frame which support

A method and apparatus for testing cooling units used in computers is presented. Testing of such cooling systems increases the reliability thereof, which in turn increases the reliability of the computers utilizing these cooling systems. The cooling system tester comprises a test frame which supports a plurality of evaporators, associated modular cooling units (units under test) and associated fan or blower assemblies. A heating element is attached to each of these evaporators to act as a heat load for the corresponding modular cooling unit, i.e., to simulate the heat load of an actual computer. The heat output of the heating elements are controlled by a computer. The power supplied to the modular cooling units is also regulated (controlled) by the computer. A program in the computer runs a test on each of the modular cooling units. The program checks for user input and the installation of a modular cooling unit. For each modular cooling unit installed for testing a modular cooling unit control subroutine is executed. The modular cooling unit control subroutine runs at series of test procedures a various speed, power, and timing settings.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A tester for testing at least one cooling unit used with a computer, the cooling unit having an inlet and an outlet, comprising:a heating element for generating heat simulating a heat load of the computer;an evaporator disposed relative to said heating element for recei

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A tester for testing at least one cooling unit used with a computer, the cooling unit having an inlet and an outlet, comprising:a heating element for generating heat simulating a heat load of the computer;an evaporator disposed relative to said heating element for receiving heat therefrom, said evaporator having an inlet for connection to the outlet of the cooling unit under test to define a first cooling line, said evaporator having an outlet for connection to the inlet of the cooling unit under test to define a second cooling line;at least one temperature sensor disposed relative to said evaporator for generating at least one sensed evaporator temperature signal indicative of a temperature at said evaporator, whereby said at least one sensed evaporator temperature signal is indicative of the ability of the cooling unit under test remove the heat generated by said heating element; anda signal processor responsive to said at least one sensed evaporator temperature signal and having a memory for storing signals including program signals defining an executable program for conducting a test of the cooling unit.