Kipco Aerospace (CEO: Kyung-Ahn Jeong) has recently announced that it has secured a patent for the ‘Immersion Cooling System for Radar Transmit/Receive Modules (TRM).’
This patent pertains to a cooling method that implements liquid immersion cooling technology in radar systems. Liquid immersion cooling involves removing heat by directly submerging a heating element, such as a semiconductor or high-heat-generating electronic equipment, in a non-conductive liquid. This method efficiently absorbs heat and is gaining attention as a next-generation cooling solution that addresses the limitations of traditional air and water cooling systems.
In 2021, Kipco Aerospace established the Mechanical Cooling Research Institute in Changwon to address the cooling challenges posed by high heat generation in radar equipment and to develop compact and lightweight products. The patent for the radar immersion cooling system is a significant achievement of the Mechanical Cooling Research Institute. The patent proposer, Jeong Yun-seo, was inspired by the immersion cooling of data servers observed at the 2023 Paris Air Show, leading to the idea of applying this technology to the transmit/receive module (TRM) of AESA radar, which produces significant heat. The patent was obtained one year following the proposal.
With the application of immersion cooling, concerns regarding leakage or mechanical failures are minimized since there is no electrical flow. This technology can shield equipment from external contaminants and decrease the fire hazard risk. A company representative stated, “The liquid absorbs heat uniformly in real time and helps maintain a consistent temperature.” He further noted, “Not only does it reduce power consumption by over 30% compared to air cooling, but it also eliminates components required in conventional cooling systems, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while making products more compact and lighter.” He explained, “The technology that incorporates these advantages into radar cooling devices is referred to as the radar immersion cooling system.”
Kipco Aerospace intends to apply this technology to various defense systems aside from radar systems. “As the domestic defense industry expands, a diverse range of defense equipment is being exported,” remarked an official from Kipco Aerospace. “Since advanced defense systems incorporate multiple electronic devices, effective cooling solutions are essential.” He added, “Liquid immersion cooling is a straightforward and efficient cooling method with substantial cooling capacity. We will extend the immersion cooling system to other equipment that requires high cooling efficiency.”
Founded in 1989, Kipco Aerospace is a manufacturer of satellite communications, radar, and electro-optical equipment. The company is currently mass-producing TACAN tactical navigation devices, targeting systems for light armed helicopters (TADS), electro-optical targeting systems for wheeled armored vehicles (EOTS), and dual decoy DIRCMs, while preparing for the initial mass production of the KF-21 EO-TGP. To advance its technology in the space sector, Kipco is accelerating the development of Q-Band semiconductor power amplifier SSPA for satellite communications aimed at export to the US, as well as PAT technology for inter-satellite communications, which is vital for the low-orbit satellite business.
Kipco Aerospace Secures Patent for Innovative Immersion Cooling System in Radar Technology
Introduction to the Immersion Cooling System Patent
Kipco Aerospace (CEO: Kyung-Ahn Jeong) recently announced that it has obtained a patent for the ‘Immersion Cooling System for Radar Transmit/Receive Modules (TRM)’. This revolutionary technology applies liquid immersion cooling to radar systems, addressing the growing need for efficient cooling methods in high-heat environments.
What is Liquid Immersion Cooling?
Liquid immersion cooling is a cutting-edge method that removes heat by immersing heating elements like semiconductors and electronic equipment in a non-conductive liquid. This direct absorption of heat presents a significant advancement over traditional air-cooling and water-cooling techniques, promising better performance and reliability in demanding applications.
The Role of Kipco Aerospace’s Mechanical Cooling Research Institute
Founded in 2021, the Mechanical Cooling Research Institute located in Changwon, South Korea, focuses on addressing cooling challenges in radar equipment resulting from high heat generation. The successful patent for the radar immersion cooling system exemplifies the institute’s commitment to developing compact and lightweight radar technology.
Inspiration Behind the Patent
The patent was proposed by Jeong Yun-seo, who was inspired by observing immersion cooling technology applied to data servers at the 2023 Paris Air Show. He recognized the potential for similar applications in the transmit/receive modules (TRM) of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar systems. One year after the proposal, the patent was successfully secured, marking a significant milestone for Kipco Aerospace.
Advantages of the Immersion Cooling System
The implementation of immersion cooling technology offers several noteworthy benefits:
- Elimination of Leakage Risks: As electrical flow is absent in the cooling medium, the risk of leaks or mechanical failures is greatly reduced.
- Protection Against Contaminants: Equipment is safeguarded from dust, debris, and moisture, prolonging its lifespan.
- Fire Risk Reduction: The non-conductive liquid minimizes the chances of electrical fires.
- Real-time Heat Absorption: The liquid effectively absorbs heat evenly, maintaining a consistent operational temperature.
- Energy Efficiency: Compared to traditional air cooling, immersion cooling can reduce power consumption by more than 30%.
- Cost-Effectiveness: The elimination of traditional cooling system components can significantly lower manufacturing costs while allowing for smaller and lighter designs.
Future Applications of Radar Immersion Cooling Technology
Kipco Aerospace plans to extend the application of its immersive cooling technology to a variety of defense equipment beyond radar systems. As the domestic defense industry expands, the demand for cutting-edge electronic devices and effective cooling solutions will increase.
Expanding the Scope of Cooling Solutions
A Kipco Aerospace official stated, “Liquid immersion cooling is a direct cooling method with a simple structure and high cooling capacity.” The plans include applying this innovative cooling system to other devices that require substantial cooling capabilities, making it a versatile solution in various fields.
Overview of Kipco Aerospace
Established in 1989, Kipco Aerospace is a key player in manufacturing satellite communications, radar systems, and electro-optical equipment. The company is known for its production capabilities, including:
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| TACAN Tactical Navigation Equipment | Used for precise navigation in military applications. |
| Light Armed Helicopter Targeting System (TADS) | Designed to enhance targeting capabilities in diverse combat situations. |
| EOTS for Wheeled Armored Vehicles | Electro-optical targeting system for improved surveillance and targeting. |
| Dual Decoy DIRCM | Dazzle infrared threat seekers, enhancing aircraft survival rates. |
| KF-21 EO-TGP | Preparing for initial mass production, enhancing South Korea’s defense capabilities. |
Technical Innovations and Future Outlook
Kipco Aerospace’s focus on innovation extends to its development of high-performance technologies such as the Q-Band semiconductor power amplifier (SSPA) for satellite communications and PAT technology for inter-satellite communications. These initiatives are crucial for expanding Kipco’s global market presence, particularly for low-orbit satellite systems targeted for export to the United States.
Conclusion
With the recent acquisition of the immersion cooling system patent, Kipco Aerospace is poised to lead the way in radar technology improvements and broader applications in defense. This forward-thinking approach not only safeguards equipment but also promises a new era of efficient operations in defense and aerospace sectors.
