BACKGROUND

Field of the Various Embodiments

[0001] The various embodiments relate generally to heat dissipation systems and, more specifically, to a cooling system for vehicle components.

Description of the Related Art

[0002] Modem vehicles include a large number of electronic devices and systems, such as speakers, displays, instrument panels, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), in-car entertainment (ICE) systems, in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems, navigation systems, and so forth. In particular, modern autonomous vehicles include additional electronic hardware and software to analyze the environment in order to operate the vehicle. Such electronic systems operate using processors to execute program instructions that are implemented through other electronic components. In operation, the processors and other electronic components generate heat as a natural by-product of using electricity, raising the temperature of the electronic components and the ambient temperature surrounding the electronic system and other neighboring components.

[0003] Electronic systems have varying operating parameters that affect performance. For example, many processors have optimal performance characteristics, where the processor maintains an optimal combination of processing speed, latency, response time, bandwidth, throughput, and so forth, when operating in accordance with a set of optimal operating parameters. One such operating parameter is temperature. For example, processors operate at specific processing speeds as a function of the processor temperature. When the processor temperature exceeds a maximum temperature threshold for optimal performance, the processor overheats and operates at a lower processing speed, negatively impacting the performance of the electronic component. For example, audio systems will output soundwaves having lower energy due to the lower performance of the respective electronic audio components to drive the speaker.

[0004] Vehicles include conventional heat dissipation systems to remove heat from components in order to prevent these components from overheating. Some heat dissipation systems in vehicles use a combination of fans and/or vehicle movement to force cool air through the components to transfer heat away. Such heat dissipation systems also include heat sinks made of thermally conductive materials, such as aluminum, that are physically connected to the component, transferring heat away from the connected component. These heat sinks have large surface areas and dissipate heat in the surrounding area.

[0005] At least one drawback of such conventional heat dissipation systems in vehicles is that these systems do not provide sufficient heat dissipation to ensure that processors operate within an optimal temperature range. For example, the ambient temperature within the vehicle surrounding a given vehicle component typically exceeds the room temperature range, requiring heat dissipation systems to continually remove large amounts of heat for sustained periods to maintain optimal performance. However, size constraints associated with the available space for the heat dissipation system limit the sizes of fans and heat sinks, lowering the heat dissipation capabilities of the system. Further, certain components of the system are expensive to incorporate. For example, heat sinks use expensive thermally conductive materials (e.g., aluminum), increasing the cost for the conventional heat dissipation systems. In addition, conventional heat dissipation systems in vehicles often rely on car movement to force cool air through certain components. As a result, conventional heat dissipation systems are often dependent upon the car being in motion to work effectively.

[0006] In light of the above, more effective techniques for cooling in vehicle components would be useful.

SUMMARY

[0007] Various embodiments include a cooling system that comprises a central cooling unit, a memory storing a heat transfer control application, and a processor coupled to the memory that when executing the heat transfer control application determines a first temperature associated with a first vehicle component, upon determining that the first temperature exceeds a first temperature threshold for the first vehicle component, determines a first flow rate for a heat transfer fluid based on the first temperature, and causes the heat transfer fluid to flow at the first flow rate through a first cooling block connected to the first vehicle component.

[0008] Further embodiments provide, among other things, a computer-implemented method for executing the operations set forth above, as well as non-transitory computer- readable storage media storing instructions for implementing the operations set forth above.

[0009] At least one technological advantage of vehicle component cooling system relative to the prior art is that, with the disclosed techniques, vehicles can dissipate heat from vehicle components at higher rates and with greater control. In particular, managing the heat dissipation rate of electronic vehicle components using the disclosed cooling systems enables electronic components to operate with improved performance characteristics over a larger ambient temperature range, as the increased heat dissipation causes the electronic vehicle components to operate within a preferred temperature range. Further, the disclosed cooling system reduces the need for heat sinks that require expensive materials. The vehicle component cooling system can therefore manage distinct electronic vehicle components using smaller, lighter, and cheaper heat dissipation components. In addition, the disclosed cooling system supports the management of the temperature of electronic vehicle components independent of vehicle motion, enabling electronic vehicle components to operate for longer times over a wider range of environmental and vehicle conditions. These technical advantages provide one or more technological improvements over prior art approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the various embodiments can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the inventive concepts, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to various embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the inventive concepts and are therefore not to be considered limiting of scope in any way, and that there are other equally effective embodiments.

[0011] Figure l is a schematic diagram of a vehicle component cooling system configured to implement one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle system including the vehicle component cooling system of Figure 1 providing heat transfer fluid to vehicle components through a set of fluid conduits, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 3 is an isometric perspective view of a configuration of fans positioned to blow air through a portion of the central cooling unit of Figure 1, according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 4 is an isometric perspective view of a fluid cooling block included in the vehicle component cooling system of Figure 1 connected to a vehicle component, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid cooling block included in the vehicle component cooling system of Figure 1 connected to a vehicle component, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; [0016] Figure 6 is a diagram of the central cooling unit included in the vehicle component cooling system of Figure 1 connected to multiple vehicle components through a series of fluid conduits, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0017] Figure 7 is a flowchart of method steps for a heat transfer control application operating a pump in a central cooling unit to manage the temperature of a vehicle component, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the various embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one of skilled in the art that the inventive concepts may be practiced without one or more of these specific details.

Overview

[0019] Embodiments disclosed herein include a vehicle component cooling system that includes a heat transfer control application that controls the operation of a central cooling unit. The central cooling unit is connected to a set of fluid cooling blocks via a set of fluid conduits, where one or more valves are positioned along each fluid conduit. Each fluid cooling block is physically connected to a vehicle component. The fluid conduits connect to a channel within the fluid cooling block, allowing a heat transfer liquid to flow through or along the fluid conduits and the channel and absorb heat from the vehicle component. The heat transfer fluid flows from the fluid cooling block and reaches a chiller included in the central cooling unit. The chiller removes heat from the heat transfer fluid, enabling the heat transfer fluid to be used to provide additional cooling of the vehicle component.

[0020] The heat transfer control application receives temperature measurements from one or more sensors proximate to vehicle components. For a given vehicle component, the heat transfer control application compares one or more temperature measurements associated with the vehicle component to one or more thresholds associated with the vehicle component. Based on the one or more temperature measurements and/or the threshold determinations, the heat transfer control application determines a flow rate of the heat transfer fluid circulating through the applicable fluid cooling block. For example, the heat transfer control application determines the flow rate for the heat transfer fluid based on the current temperature of the vehicle component and a target temperature for the vehicle component. In another example, the heat transfer control application compares the temperature measurements to a high temperature threshold associated with the vehicle component to determine whether the central cooling unit is to start the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid. In yet another example, the heat transfer control application compares the temperature measurements to a low temperature threshold to determine whether the central cooling units is to stop the heat transfer fluid from flowing. Upon making the determinations, the heat transfer control application sets a new flow rate for the heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer control application generates and transmits a command signal to the central cooling unit to drive the pump, changing the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid to circulate through the applicable fluid cooling block at the set flow rate. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the heat transfer control application transmits the command signal to the applicable valve positioned on the fluid conduit between the central cooling unit and the fluid cooling block. The valve responds to the command signal by restricting, un-restricting, and/or controlling the fluid conduit such that the heat transfer fluid circulates through the fluid cooling block at the set flow rate.

[0021] The vehicle component cooling system can be implemented in various vehicle systems, including cars, vans, aerial vehicles, boats, and so forth. The heat transfer control application can perform its processing functions using a dedicated processing device and/or a separate device, such as a mobile computing device of a user or a cloud computing system. The vehicle component cooling system can detect temperatures using any number of sensors, which can be attached to other system components, integrated with other system components, or disposed separately. For example, the heat transfer control application can be included in a head unit that is integrated with one or more integrated computer systems and can receive sensor data from a separate set of temperature sensors attached to other vehicle components. Although this disclosure is described in the context of cooling for in-vehicle systems, the disclosed techniques are suitable for cooling non-vehicle systems as well.

System Overview

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle system 100 configured to implement one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, and without limitation, the vehicle system 100 includes a computing unit 110, a central cooling unit 130, one or more fans 136, heat transfer fluid 140, outgoing fluid conduits 142, incoming fluid conduits 144, valves 146, fluid cooling blocks 148, vehicle components 150, and sensors 152. The computing unit 110 includes, without limitation, a processing unit 112 and memory 114. The memory 114 includes, without limitation, a heat transfer control application 120, and component temperature data 122. The central cooling unit 130 includes, without limitation, one or more pumps 132 and a chiller 134. [0023] For explanatory purposes, multiple instances of like objects are denoted with reference numbers identifying the object and additional numbers in parentheses identifying the instance where needed. Further, the vehicle component cooling system can include multiple instances of elements, even when not shown. For example, the vehicle component cooling system can include multiple chillers (e.g., 134(1), 134(2), 134(3), etc.) and still be within the scope of the disclosed embodiments.

[0024] The vehicle component cooling system includes the computing unit 110, the central cooling unit 130, the fans 136, the fluid conduits 142, the valves 146, the fluid cooling blocks 148, and/or the sensors 152. In operation, the heat transfer control application 120 receives sensor data from the sensors 152 that indicate the temperature of the corresponding vehicle component 150. The heat transfer control application 120 compares the temperature of the vehicle component 150 with the component temperature data 122 for the vehicle component 150, such as a high temperature threshold and/or a low temperature threshold for the vehicle component 150. Based on the comparisons, the heat transfer control application 120 determines whether to pump the heat transfer fluid 140 through the fluid cooling block 148 corresponding to the vehicle component 150, and if so, the flow rate for the heat transfer fluid 140. The heat transfer control application 120 generates a command for the central cooling unit 130 to drive the pump 132 and/or a command for the valve 146 to control the flow of the heat transfer fluid 140 through the fluid conduits 142, 144 via the fluid cooling block 148 at the determined flow rate.

[0025] When the heat transfer fluid 140 circulates through the fluid cooling block 148, the heat transfer fluid 140 absorbs heat from the vehicle component 150. The heat transfer fluid 140 flows through the incoming fluid conduit 144 to the chiller 134 to remove the absorbed heat from the heat transfer fluid 140. The fans 136 push air 138 through or across chiller 134 that cools the heat transfer fluid 140, allowing the heat transfer fluid 140 to absorb additional heat from the vehicle component 150.

[0026] The central cooling unit 130 circulates the heat transfer fluid 140 via the fluid conduits 142, 144. In various embodiments, the central cooling unit 130 includes one or more pumps 132 and/or one or more chillers 134. In various embodiments, a given pump 132 circulates the heat transfer fluid 140 through the fluid conduits 142, 144 at a desired flow rate. In some embodiments, the central cooling unit 130 includes separate sets of pumps 132 and/or chillers 134. In such instances, the central cooling unit 130 can operate separate subsets of the fluid conduits 142, 144 by maintaining different flow rates of the heat transfer fluid 140 for the different vehicle components 150. For example, the central cooling unit 130 can include a first pump 132(1) that regulates the flow of a portion of the heat transfer fluid 140 (e.g., heat transfer fluid 140(1)) to the vehicle component 150(1), and a second pump 132(2) that regulates the flow of a different portion of the heat transfer fluid 140 (e.g., heat transfer fluid 140(2)) to the vehicle component 150(N). In such instances, the central cooling unit 130 operates the first pump 132(1) to cause the first portion of the heat transfer fluid 140(1) to circulate at a first flow rate, and operates the second pump 132(2) to cause the second portion of the heat transfer fluid 140(2) to circulate at a second flow rate. The differing flow rates cause differing amounts of heat to be transferred from the respective vehicle components 150, where higher flow rates result in higher amounts of heat transfer.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the pump 132 regulate the flow of heat transfer fluid 140 through a series of fluid cooling blocks 148, respectively corresponding to separate vehicle components 150, to control the temperatures of the separate vehicle components 150. In such instances, the central cooling unit 130 regulates the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid 140 based on temperature measurements for each of the vehicle components 150. For example, the heat transfer control application 120 can receive temperature measurements from each of the sensors 152(1), 152(N) to determine the temperature of the vehicle components 150(1), 150(N). The heat transfer control application 120 can then determine a single flow rate for the heat transfer fluid 140 based on the temperatures for both vehicle components 150(1), 150(N) (e.g., increasing the flow rate when one or both of the vehicle components 150(1), 150(N) have operating temperatures above the respective high temperature thresholds).

[0028] The pump 132 adds energy to the vehicle component cooling system by forcing the heat transfer fluid 140 to flow through the fluid conduits 142, 144 and other system components (e.g., the chiller 134, the fluid cooling blocks 148). In various embodiments, the pump 132 can be a variable speed pump that pumps the heat transfer fluid 140 at variable flow rates. Additionally or alternatively, the pumps 132 can be one or more centrifugal pumps, one or more positive displacement pumps (e.g., reciprocating pumps, rotary pumps, etc.), and so forth. The pump controls the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid 140 by modifying the amount of force that is applied to the heat transfer fluid 140 to cause the heat transfer fluid 140 to flow. In various embodiments, the central cooling unit 130 responds to command signals provided by the heat transfer control application 120 by driving the pump 132 to cause the heat transfer fluid 140 to flow at a specific flow rate. [0029] The chiller 134 cools the heat transfer fluid 140. In various embodiments, the chiller 134 is coupled to the fluid conduits 142, 142. In such instances, the chiller 134 can include an inlet port (not shown) connected to the incoming fluid conduit 144 and an outlet port connected to the outgoing fluid conduit 142. The chiller 134 includes one or more channels that enables the heat transfer fluid 140 to flow through or across the chiller 134 and dissipate heat. For example, the chiller 134 can be a radiator configured to have the air 138 blown by the fans 136 pass through, where the air absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid 140 and carries the heat away from the chiller 134. In some embodiments, the central cooling unit 130 includes multiple chillers 134. In such instances, the heat transfer control application 120 can generate multiple commands to the fans 136 to control the amount of air 138 that passes through or across each of the respective chillers.

[0030] The heat transfer fluid 140 is a liquid coolant, such as oil-based liquids, water-based liquids, or antifreeze, that has high heat conduction characteristics. For example, the heat transfer fluid 140 can be a liquid coolant that conducts heat 30 times more effectively than air. In some embodiments, the heat transfer fluid 140 can be a mix of liquids (e.g„ triple-distilled water mixed with corrosion inhibitors). In some embodiments, the vehicle system 100 includes distinct heat transfer fluids 140 for separate vehicle components. For example, the heat transfer fluid 140(1) for the fluid cooling block 148(1) can be antifreeze while the heat transfer fluid 140(2) for the fluid cooling block 148(N) can be a distilled water mix.

[0031] The fluid conduits 142, 144 are pipes and/or tubes that connect the components of the vehicle system 100. In various embodiments, the fluid conduits 142, 144 connect the central cooling unit 130 with one or more fluid cooling blocks 148 to circulate the heat transfer fluid 140 between the fluid cooling blocks 148 and the central cooling unit 130. For example, the outgoing fluid conduit 142 physically transmits the heat transfer fluid 140 from the central cooling unit 130 to the fluid cooling block 148, and the incoming fluid conduit 144 physically transmits the heat transfer fluid 140 from the fluid cooling block 148 to the chiller 134.

[0032] The fluid conduits 142, 144 can be made from various materials, such as copper, brass, steel, nickel, aluminum, and/or composite pipes. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid conduits 142, 144 can be made from rubber tubes, such as reinforced rubber tubes, or plastic tubes, such as acetal plastic tubes, acrylic plastic tubes, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the fluid conduits 142, 144 extend through one or more of the other components of the cooling system. For example, the one or more channels included in the chiller 134 and/or the fluid cooling block 148 can be lined with the same material as the fluid conduits 142, 144. [0033] The valves 146 are positioned along the fluid conduits 142, 144 between components, such as between the central cooling unit 130 and the fluid cooling block 148. In some embodiments, the valve 146 controls the flow along a single fluid conduit (e.g., a valve 146 along the outgoing fluid conduit 142). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the valve 146 controls multiple fluid conduits (e.g., a dual valve along for both fluid conduits 142, 144). In various embodiments, the valves 146 restrict and/or control the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid 140 through the fluid conduits 142, 144. For example, the heat transfer control application 120 can drive the valve 146 to close the outgoing fluid conduit 142 and/or the incoming fluid conduit 144 to restrict the heat transfer fluid 140 from circulating within the fluid cooling block 148.

[0034] In some embodiments, the valves 146 can respond to an electrical signal by restricting the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid 140 through the fluid conduits 142, 144. In such instances, the heat transfer control application 120 can generate and transmit commands to the valve 146 in addition to, or in lieu of, transmitting commands for the pump 132 included in the central cooling unit 130 to modify the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid 140 through the fluid cooling block 148. For example, the heat transfer control application 120 can transmit a first command to the valve 146(1) to restrict and/or control the fluid conduits 142(1), 144(1) and transmit a second command to the valve 146(N) to un-restrict and/or control the fluid conduits 142(N), 144(N). In such instances, the heat transfer fluid 140 flows through the fluid cooling block 148(N) without flowing through the fluid cooling block 148(1).

[0035] The fluid cooling block 148 is a component that enables the heat transfer fluid 140 to come into proximity with and absorb heat from the vehicle component 150, which transfers heat from the vehicle component 150 and lowers the temperature of the vehicle component 150. For example, the fluid cooling block 148 can be heat plate exchanger, such as a water or other liquid block configured to conduct heat generated by the vehicle component 150, where the heat transfer fluid 140 absorbs heat through the fluid cooling block 148. In various embodiments, the fluid cooling block 148 physically contacts the vehicle component 150 and/or a heat sink (not shown) that absorbed heat from the vehicle component 150, increasing the rate at which the heat transfer fluid 140 absorbs heat from the vehicle component 150. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid cooling block 148 includes one or more loops, chambers, and/or channels in which the heat transfer fluid 140 flows.

[0036] The vehicle components 150 are various components within a vehicle that generate heat. For example, the vehicle components 150 could be one or more electronic components that operate within a vehicle, such as audiovisual system components in the head unit or in other positions within the vehicle (e.g., audio amplifiers, speakers, displays, etc.), vehicle subsystems, infotainment subsystems (e.g., entertainment consoles, navigation consoles, etc.), instrument clusters, and so forth. In some embodiments, the vehicle components can be nonelectronic components that benefit from heat dissipation. For example, one or more fluid cooling blocks 148 can be connected to fuel-injection systems, electrical drive systems, and so forth and can absorb at least some of the heat generated by such systems.

[0037] As will be discussed in further detail below, the fluid cooling blocks 148 corresponding to the vehicle components 150 can be connected, via the fluid conduits 142, 144, in parallel or in series with the central cooling unit 130. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid cooling blocks 148 corresponding to the vehicle components 150 can share a common portion of the heat transfer fluid 140. In such instances, the heat transfer control application 120 can set the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid 140 based on the respective temperatures for each of the vehicle components 150. Alternatively, the heat transfer control application 120 can control one or more valves 146 to modify the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid 140 through a specific fluid cooling block 148 (e.g., 148(1)) without modifying the flow rate through other fluid cooling blocks 148.

[0038] The sensors 152 are one or more sensors that acquire sensor data related to the temperature of a portion of the environment. In some embodiments, the sensors 152 are temperature sensors that acquire the ambient temperature of an area surrounding a vehicle component 150. Additionally or alternatively, the sensors 152 are temperature sensors physically contacting a portion of the vehicle component 150. In such instances, the sensors 152 acquire the temperature of the vehicle component 150 itself. In some embodiments, the sensors 152 can be included in a vehicle component 150. For example, the sensors 152 can be parts of a baseboard management controller (BMC) that report the temperature of the vehicle component 150. In various embodiments, the sensors 152 can be sensors that acquire sensor data from which temperature measurements can be derived. For example, the sensors 152 can include infrared cameras or camera arrays that provide image data that includes the temperature measurements of specific locations within the environment.

[0039] In various embodiments, the heat transfer control application 120 receives sensor data from the sensors 152 (e.g., temperature measurements from the sensor 152(1), infrared data from sensor 152(N)) and determines a temperature of the vehicle component 150. For example, the sensor 152(1) can be a temperature sensor that streams temperature measurements of the area surrounding the vehicle component 150(1) to the computing unit 110. In such instances, the heat transfer control application 120 can determine the ambient temperature proximate to the vehicle component 150(1) and/or the temperature of the vehicle component 150(1). In some embodiments, the heat transfer control application 120 can compute the temperature of the vehicle component 150(1) based on the ambient temperature.

[0040] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the heat transfer control application 120 can use the ambient temperature and a subset of the component temperature data 122 stored in memory 114 to determine the temperature of the vehicle component 150(1). For example, the component temperature data 122 can include historical data of previous temperatures for the vehicle component 150(1) for a range of ambient temperatures. In such instances, the heat transfer control application 120 can use the historical data included in the component temperature data 122 to estimate the temperature of the vehicle component 150 for a specific ambient temperature. In another example, the component temperature data 122 can include a lookup table with entries mapping the ambient temperature to the temperature of the vehicle component 150. In such instances, the heat transfer control application 120 can use the entry for the specific ambient temperature to determine the temperature of the vehicle component 150.

[0041] The computing unit 110 includes the processing unit 112 and the memory 114. In various embodiments, the computing unit 110 can be a device that includes one or more processing units 112, such as a system-on-a-chip (SoC). In various embodiments, the computing unit 110 can be included in a subsystem of the vehicle. For example, the computing unit 110 can be a device included in the head unit and/or a subsystem (e.g„ the entertainment subsystem, the navigation subsystem, etc.), and or a vehicle component 150 in the vehicle. In some embodiments, the computing unit 110 can be split among multiple physical devices in one or more locations. For example, one or more remote devices (e.g„ cloud servers, remote services, etc.) can perform one or more aspects of the disclosed techniques, such as vehicle component temperature monitoring, flow rate determination, and so forth. Additionally or alternatively, the computing unit 110 can be a detachable device that is mounted in a portion of a vehicle as part of an individual console. Generally, the computing unit 110 can be configured to coordinate the cooling of the vehicle components 150 in the vehicle system 100. The embodiments disclosed herein contemplate any technically-feasible system configured to implement the functionality of the cooling of the vehicle components 150 in the vehicle system 100 via the computing unit 110. The functionality and techniques of the vehicle component cooling system are also applicable to other types of vehicles, including consumer vehicles, commercial trucks, airplanes, helicopters, spaceships, boats, submarines, and so forth.

[0042] The processing unit 112 can include one or more central processing units (CPUs), digital signal processing units (DSPs), microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), neural processing units (NPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), field- programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and so forth. The processing unit 112 generally includes a programmable processor that executes program instructions to manipulate input data and generate outputs. In some embodiments, the processing unit 112 can include any number of processing cores, memories, and other modules for facilitating program execution. For example, the processing unit 112 receive inputs, such as sensor data from the sensors 152, and/or inputs from the central cooling unit 130 (e.g., indication messages of the heat transfer fluid 140 at the output of the chiller 134). The processing unit 112 generates temperature data from the sensor data and makes determinations based on the temperature data and the component temperature data 122 stored in the memory 114.

[0043] The memory 114 includes a memory module or collection of memory modules. The memory 114 generally comprises storage chips such as random-access memory (RAM) chips that store application programs and data for processing by the processing unit 112. In various embodiments, the memory 114 can include non-volatile memory, such as optical drives, magnetic drives, flash drives, or other storage. In some embodiments, separate data stores, connected via a network (“cloud storage”) can connect to the heat transfer control application 120. The heat transfer control application 120 within the memory 114 can be executed by the processing unit 112 in order to implement the overall functionality of the computing unit 110 and, thus, coordinate the operation of the vehicle component cooling system as a whole.

[0044] The heat transfer control application 120 controls the operation of components within the vehicle component cooling system to manage the temperatures of one or more vehicle components 150. In various embodiments, the heat transfer control application 120 receives sensor data from the sensors 152 that indicate the temperature of the corresponding vehicle component 150. The heat transfer control application compares the temperature of the vehicle component 150 with a portion of the component temperature data 122 associated with the vehicle component 150. Based on the comparison, the heat transfer control application 120 determines (i) whether the heat transfer fluid 140 is to flow through or across the fluid cooling block 148 corresponding to the vehicle component 150, and if so, (ii) the flow rate for the heat transfer fluid 140. When determining the flow rate for the heat transfer fluid 140 to flow through or across the fluid cooling block 148 corresponding to the vehicle component 150, the heat transfer control application 120 compares the temperature for the vehicle component 150 with one or more thresholds. Based on the comparisons, the heat transfer control application 120 can determine a specific flow rate for the heat transfer fluid 140 to efficiently transfer heat from the vehicle component 150.

[0045] For example, the heat transfer control application 120 could compare the temperature of the vehicle component 150(1) to a high temperature threshold associated with the vehicle component 150(1) (stored in the component temperature data 122) to determine whether to increase the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid 140 through the fluid cooling block 148(1) proximate to the vehicle component 150(1). In such instances, upon determining that the measured temperature exceeds the high temperature threshold, the heat transfer control application 120 determines a target flow rate for the heat transfer fluid 140. Alternatively, the heat transfer control application 120 can transmit the command signal to the valve 146(1) restrict and/or control the fluid conduits 142, 144 connect the fluid cooling block 148(1) to other components. In another example, the heat transfer control application 120 compares the temperature of the vehicle component 150(1) to a low temperature threshold associated with the vehicle component 150(1) to determine whether to lower or stop the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid 140. Upon determining that the temperature of the vehicle component 150(1) is below the low temperature threshold, the heat transfer control application 120 can generate and transmit a command signal to the central cooling unit 130 to stop the pump 132 from pumping the heat transfer fluid 140 through the fluid cooling block 148(1).

[0046] In various embodiments, the heat transfer control application 120 computes the flow rate for the heat transfer fluid 140 based on the temperature of the vehicle component 150, the properties of the heat transfer fluid 140, and/or characteristics of the vehicle component 150. For example, the heat transfer control application 120 could compute a target flow rate based on the temperature of the vehicle component 150(1) and data included in the component temperature data 122. The component temperature data 122 includes operating characteristics for one or more vehicle components 150. The component temperature data 122 could include (i) historical temperature data for the vehicle component 150, (ii) a target temperature for the vehicle component 150, and/or (iii) a range of heat transfer rates for the vehicle component 150 (the heat transfer rates being associated with safely removing heat from the vehicle component 150). In such instances, the heat transfer control application 120 can determine the target flow rate for the heat transfer fluid 140 based the current temperature (corresponding to the temperature of the vehicle component 150(1)) and portions of the component temperature data 122. For example, the heat transfer control application 120 can set a target flow rate for the heat transfer fluid 140 that is higher than the current flow rate when the historical data indicates that the temperature for the vehicle component has been increasing from the target temperature.

[0047] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the component temperature data 122 includes a lookup table (LUT) with entries storing applicable temperature data for each vehicle component 150. For example, the entry can include (i) an identification of the vehicle component 150, (ii) a high temperature threshold, (iii) a low temperature threshold, (iv) a target temperature, (iii) a set of temperatures for the vehicle component 150 mapped to corresponding heat transfer rates and/or flow rates for the heat transfer fluid 140. In such instances, the heat transfer control application 120 can use the lookup table to find an entry for the vehicle component 150. The heat transfer control application 120 can use the mappings of the set of temperatures to the corresponding heat transfer rates or flow rates to identify the flow rate for the heat transfer fluid 140 that corresponds to the temperature of the vehicle component 150.

Central Cooling Unit and Connected Vehicle Components

[0048] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle system 200 including the vehicle component cooling system of Figure 1 providing heat transfer fluid 140 to vehicle components through a set of fluid conduits 142, 144, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, and without limitation, the vehicle system 200 includes the central cooling unit 130, a head unit 210, and an output module 220. The head unit 210 includes an entertainment subsystem 202, a navigation subsystem 204, an instrument cluster 206, and a network module 208. The output module 220 includes one or more amplifiers 222, one or more displays 224, and a human machine interface (HMI) 226.

[0049] The head unit 210 is a component of the vehicle that is mounted at any location within a passenger compartment of the vehicle in any technically-feasible fashion. In some embodiments, the head unit 210 can include any number and type of vehicle components 150 (e.g., instrument cluster 206, entertainment subsystem 202, navigation subsystem 204, network module 208, and/or the like) and applications that provide any number of input and output mechanisms. For example, the head unit 210 can enable users (e.g., the driver and/or passengers) to control the entertainment subsystem 202 and/or the navigation subsystem 204. The head unit 210 supports any number of input and output data types and formats, as known in the art. For example, the head unit 210 could include built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and/or audio streaming, universal serial bus (USB) connections, speech recognition, rear-view camera inputs, video outputs via the output module 220 for any number and type of displays 224, and any number of audio outputs (e.g„ amplifiers 222). In general, any number of sensors 152, displays 224, receivers, transmitters, etc., can be integrated into the head unit 210, or can be implemented externally to the head unit 210. In various embodiments, external devices can communicate with the head unit 210 in any technically-feasible fashion.

[0050] The output module 220 includes a set of vehicle components 150 (e.g„ the amplifier

222, the display 224, the HMI 226, etc.) and performs one or more actions in response to actions performed by the head unit 210. For example, the output module 220 can generate one or more output signals in response to received media signals (e.g., video signals received from a video source and/or audio signals received from an audio source) to drive the output of the audio amplifiers 222 and/or the display 224. In another example, the output module 220 could generate one or more output signals to modify a human-machine interface (HMI) 226 to display notification messages and/or alerts. In some embodiments, the HMI 226 can be a different component than the display 224, such as when the HMI 226 is included as part of the windshield..

[0051] The central cooling unit 130 is connected to the fluid cooling blocks 148 for the vehicle components 202-208, 222-226 through a set of fluid conduits 142, 144, 246. For example, the central cooling unit 130 is connected to the fluid cooling blocks 148 for the vehicle components 202-208 in a parallel configuration. In the parallel configuration, the central cooling unit 130 causes portions of the heat transfer fluid 140 to circulate through the fluid cooling blocks 148, corresponding to the respective vehicle components 202-208, simultaneously and can independently control the flow rates for portions of the heat transfer fluid 140 circulating through the respective fluid cooling blocks 148s. In some embodiments, the heat transfer control application 120 controls one or more pumps 132 and/or one or more valves 146 connected to the fluid conduits 142(1), 144(1) to modify the flow rate and/or stop the flow of the heat transfer fluid 140 through a specific fluid cooling block 148. For example, the heat transfer control application 120 can control a specific valve 146 regulating the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid 140 through the branch fluid conduits 142(5), 144(5) without modifying the flow rates of the heat transfer fluid 140 through the other branch fluid conduits 142(l)-(4), 144(l)-(4).

[0052] The central cooling unit 130 is also connected to the fluid cooling blocks 148 for the vehicle components 122-226 in a series configuration via the outgoing fluid conduit 144(6), intermediate fluid conduits 246(l)-246(2), and incoming fluid conduit 142(6). In the series configuration, the central cooling unit 130 causes the heat transfer fluid 140 to circulate through the each of the fluid cooling blocks 148 corresponding to each of the respective vehicle components 222-226. In such instances, the heat transfer control application 120 determines the temperatures for each of the vehicle components 222-226 and sets the flow rate for the heat transfer fluid 140 circulation through the series configuration based on the temperatures of one or more of the vehicle components 222-226. For example, the heat transfer control application 120 could increase the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid 140 in the series configuration upon receiving temperature measurements for one or more of the vehicle components 222-226. In some instances, the heat transfer control application 120 starts the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid 140 when the temperature of any of the vehicle components 222-226 exceeds the corresponding high temperature threshold for the respective vehicle component 222-226.

[0053] Figure 3 is an isometric perspective view of a configuration 300 of fans 136 positioned to blow air through a portion of the central cooling unit 130 of Figure 1, according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, and without limitation, configuration 300 includes the central cooling unit 130 and a set of fans 136. The central cooling unit 130 includes the chiller 134, the pump 132, an inlet port 302 and an outlet port 304.

[0054] In various embodiments, the central cooling unit 130 can be configured to interoperate with other components in the vehicle. For example, the central cooling unit 130 can be configured to have an interface with a set of one or more fans 136 such that the fans 136 efficiently cool the heat transfer fluid 140. The central cooling unit 130 includes a chiller 134 in the form of a radiator, where the set of fans 136 blows air through and/or across the radiator. In some embodiments, the chiller 134 is configured to have a shape corresponding to the set of fans 136; in such instances, the fans efficiently blow air through a large portion of the chiller 134, removing a large amount of heat from the heat transfer fluid 140. In some embodiments, the configuration of the central cooling unit 130 can differ based on the characteristics of the applicable components. For example, the chiller 134 can be configured to have a square and receive air from four fans 136, or can have a circular area to match the area of a single fan 136.

[0055] In various embodiments, the central cooling unit 130 includes a pump 132 and ports 302, 304 to connect the central cooling unit 130 with the fluid conduits 142, 144. For example, the inlet port 302 connects the pump 132 to the incoming fluid conduit 144 and the outlet port 304 connects the pump to the outgoing fluid conduit 142. In some embodiments, the configuration of the ports 302, 304 can differ based on the characteristics of the applicable components. For example, central cooling unit 130 can include separate sets of pumps 132 that respectively have separate inlet ports 302 (e.g„ 302(1), 302(2), etc.) and outlet ports 304 (e.g., 304(1), 304(2), etc.).

[0056] Figure 4 is an isometric perspective view of a configuration including 400 of a fluid cooling block 148 included in the vehicle component cooling system of Figure 1 connected to a vehicle component 150, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, and without limitation, the configuration 400 includes the vehicle component 150, the fluid cooling block 148, the outgoing fluid conduit 142, the incoming fluid conduit 144, and a heat sink 402. The vehicle component 150 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 404. The fluid cooling block includes a chamber 406.

[0057] The CPU 404 generates heat when in operation, and the heat sink 402 absorbs the generated heat. When the heat transfer fluid 140 circulates through the fluid cooling block 148, the heat transfer fluid 140 enters included in the fluid cooling block 148 via the outgoing fluid conduit 142 into the chamber 406. While flowing in the chamber 406, the heat transfer fluid 140 absorbs heat from CPU 404 via the heat sink 402 and the fluid cooling block 148. The heat transfer fluid 140 completes flowing in the chamber 406 and exits the fluid cooling block 148 via the incoming fluid conduit 142.

[0058] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the configuration 500 of the fluid cooling block

148 included in the vehicle component cooling system of Figure 1 connected to a vehicle component 150, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The configuration 500 includes, without limitation, the vehicle component 150, the CPU 404, the heat sink 402, the fluid cooling block 148, the outgoing fluid conduit 142, and the incoming fluid conduit 144.

[0059] The fluid cooling block 148 includes one or more contact points that physically couple to the heat sink 402. The heat sink 402 is a conductive material that transfers heat away from portions of the vehicle component 150. In various embodiments, the heat sink 402 transfers heat between the fluid cooling block 148 and the vehicle component 150. In some embodiments, the heat sink 402 absorbs heat before transferring the heat to the fluid cooling block 148. For example, when the heat transfer fluid 140 is not flowing through the fluid cooling block 148, the heat sink 402 can dissipate heat throughout the ambient environment.

[0060] Figure 6 is a diagram of the central cooling unit 130 included in the vehicle component cooling system of Figure 1 connected to multiple vehicle components through a series of fluid conduits 142, 144, 246, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, and without limitation, the vehicle component cooling system 600 includes the central cooling unit 130, the instrument cluster 602, the entertainment subsystem 604, the amplifier 606, and fluid conduits 142, 144, 246.

[0061] The central cooling unit 130 includes two sets of pumps 132 and chillers 134 that are included in separate configurations. Each set of pumps 132 and chillers 134 independently provide portions of the heat transfer fluid 140 connections to a subset of the vehicle components 150. A first configuration is a series configuration that connects a first pump 132(1) and a first chiller 134(1) in the central cooling unit 130 to the fluid cooling block 148(1) for the instrument cluster 602 in series with the fluid cooling block 148(2) for the entertainment subsystem 604. A separate configuration is an independent configuration that connects a second pump 132(1) and a second chiller 134(2) in the central cooling unit 130 to the fluid cooling block 148(3) for the amplifier 606.

[0062] The central cooling unit 130 independently modifies the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid 140 flowing in the fluid cooling block 148(3) separately from the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid 140 flowing through the fluid cooling blocks 148(1)- 148(2). In such instances, the heat transfer control application 120 can determine the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid 140 circulating in the fluid cooling blocks 148(1)- 148(2) based on the temperatures of each of the instrument cluster 602 and the entertainment subsystem 604, while the determining the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid 140 circulating in the fluid cooling block 148(3) based on the temperature of the amplifier 606.

Temperature Control of Vehicle Components

[0063] Figure 7 is a flowchart of method steps for a heat transfer control application operating a pump in a central cooling unit to manage the temperature of a vehicle component, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Although the method steps are described with reference to the embodiments of Figures 1-6, persons skilled in the art will understand that any system configured to implement the method steps, in any order, falls within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0064] As shown, method 700 begins at step 702, where a heat transfer control application, such as heat transfer control application 120, determines the temperature of a vehicle component, such as any of the vehicle components 150, 202, 204, 206, 208, 222, 224, 226, 602, 604, and/or 606. In various embodiments, the heat transfer control application receives temperature measurements provided by one or more temperature sensors, such as any of the sensors 152. In some embodiments, each vehicle component can have a corresponding temperature sensor that measures the temperature of a surface or an ambient temperature proximate to a given vehicle component. In some embodiments, the heat transfer control application receives a set of temperature measurements from multiple sensors associated with the vehicle component. In such instances, the heat transfer control application can derive a temperature measurement for the vehicle component from the set of temperature measurements.

[0065] At step 704, the heat transfer control application determines whether the temperature for the vehicle component exceeds a high temperature threshold. In various embodiments, the heat transfer control application compares the temperature measurement for the vehicle component to a high temperature threshold. In some embodiments, the heat transfer control application can compare the temperature measurement with a high temperature threshold for the vehicle. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the heat transfer control application can compare the temperature measurement with a specific high temperature threshold for the vehicle component.

[0066] In some embodiments, the heat transfer control application receives temperature measurements when heat transfer fluid, such as the heat transfer fluid 140, is not circulating through the fluid cooling block, such as any of the fluid cooling blocks 148. In such instances, the heat transfer control application can compare the temperature measurement to a high temperature threshold to determine whether the heat transfer fluid is to flow through or across the fluid cooling block. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the heat transfer control application receives temperature measurements when the heat transfer fluid is circulating through the fluid cooling block. In such instances, the heat transfer control application can compare the temperature measurements to the high temperature threshold to determine whether to increase the flow rate for the heat transfer fluid.

[0067] When the heat transfer control application determines that the temperature measurement exceeds the high temperature threshold, the heat transfer control application determines that the central cooling unit, such as the central cooling unit 130, is to pump the heat transfer fluid through the fluid cooling block proximate to the vehicle component and proceeds to step 706. Otherwise, the heat transfer control application determines that the temperature measurement does not exceed the high temperature threshold and returns to step 702.

[0068] At step 706, the heat transfer control application determines the flow rate for the heat transfer fluid. In various embodiments, the heat transfer control application determines a flow rate at which the heat transfer fluid is to circulate through the fluid cooling block. In some embodiments, the heat transfer control application can compute the flow rate based on the temperature of the vehicle component, the properties of the heat transfer fluid, and/or characteristics of the vehicle component. For example, the heat transfer control application can compute the flow rate for the heat transfer fluid based on the temperature measurement, a target temperature for the vehicle component, and the heat absorption characteristics of the heat transfer fluid. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the heat transfer control application can use a lookup table included in the component temperature data 122 to find an entry for the vehicle component. Upon finding the entry, the heat transfer control application can identify in the entry a set of mappings between temperatures and flow rates and can identify the flow rate for the heat transfer fluid that corresponds to the temperature of the vehicle component.

[0069] In some embodiments, the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid is independent of the temperature of the vehicle component and the heat transfer control application does not change the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid based on the temperature. In such instances, the heat transfer control application controls whether the heat transfer fluid flows at a predetermined flow rate based on determinations of whether the temperature of the vehicle component exceeds a high temperature threshold for the vehicle component.

[0070] At step 708, the heat transfer control application causes a pump, such as the pump 132, to pump the heat transfer fluid to the fluid cooling block for the vehicle component. In various embodiments, the heat transfer control application generates a command signal to drive the pump connected to the applicable fluid cooling block via an outgoing fluid conduit. In some embodiments, the central cooling unit receives the command signal and drives the pump to force the heat transfer fluid to circulate through the fluid cooling block at the determined flow rate. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the heat transfer control application transmits the command signal to the valve to control flow rate into the fluid cooling block to match the determined flow rate. At step 710, the heat transfer control application determines the temperature of the vehicle component. Step 710 is substantially the same as step 702.

[0071] At step 712, the heat transfer control application determines whether the temperature of the vehicle component is below a low temperature threshold. In various embodiments, the heat transfer control application compares the temperature measurements to a low temperature threshold associated with the vehicle component to determine whether to stop the heat transfer fluid from flowing through fluid cooling block for the vehicle component. When the heat transfer control application determines that the temperature measurement is below the low temperature threshold, the heat transfer control application proceeds to step 714. Otherwise, the heat transfer control application determines that the temperature measurement is equal to or above the temperature threshold and returns to step 706 to update the flow rate for the heat transfer fluid based on the temperature of the vehicle component.

[0072] At step 714, the heat transfer control application stops the flow of the heat transfer fluid through the fluid cooling block for the vehicle component When the heat transfer control application determines that the measured temperature is below the low temperature threshold, the heat transfer control application generates a command signal to stop the heat transfer fluid from flowing through the fluid cooling block. In some embodiments, the heat transfer control application transmits a command signal to the central cooling unit to drive the pump to stop pumping the heat transfer fluid at the determined rate. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the heat transfer control application transmits the command signal to the valve, where the valve responds by closing one or both of the fluid conduits preventing the heat transfer fluid from circulating through the fluid cooling block. Upon restricting the flow of the heat transfer fluid 140, the heat transfer control application returns to step 702 to monitor the temperature of the vehicle component.

[0073] In sum, a vehicle component cooling system includes a central cooling unit managed by a heat transfer control application. The central cooling unit is connected, via a set of fluid conduits, to a set of fluid cooling blocks that are physically connected to separate vehicle components. Each fluid cooling block includes a channel through which the fluid conduit circulates at a given flow rate. A pump in the central cooling unit causes heat transfer fluid to flow via the fluid conduit to the fluid cooling block, where the heat transfer fluid flows through the channel and absorbs heat generated by the vehicle component. The heat transfer fluid flows from the vehicle component into one or more channels in a chiller included the central cooling unit that removes heat from the heat transfer fluid. The fluid is then recirculated through the fluid cooling blocks to absorb more heat from the vehicle component.

[0074] A heat transfer control application manages the temperatures of a set of vehicle components by controlling the flow of the heat transfer fluid. For a given vehicle component, the heat transfer control application manages the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid flowing through the fluid cooling block connected to the vehicle component. The heat transfer control application receives temperature measurements provided by a temperature sensor monitoring the vehicle component. The heat transfer control application compares the temperature measurements to a high temperature to determine whether to start the flow of heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer control application then determines a flow rate based on the temperature measurements for the vehicle component. The heat transfer control application generates and transmits a command signal to the central cooling unit to drive the pump and/or valve on the fluid conduit. The command causes the pump and/or valve to change the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid circulating through the applicable fluid cooling block. Once the heat transfer fluid circulates at the flow rate, the heat transfer control application determines a new temperature of the vehicle component and compares the new temperature to low temperature thresholds associated with the vehicle component to determine whether the central cooling unit is to stop the flow of the heat transfer fluid. When the temperature is still above the low temperature threshold, the heat transfer control application updates the flow rate for the heat transfer fluid based on the new temperature.

[0075] At least one technological advantage of vehicle component cooling system relative to the prior art is that, with the disclosed techniques, vehicles can dissipate heat from electronic vehicle components at higher rates and with greater control. In particular, managing the heat dissipation rate of electronic vehicle components using the disclosed cooling systems enables electronic components to operate with improved performance characteristics over a larger ambient temperature range, as the increased heat dissipation causes the processor to operate within a specified temperature range.

[0076] Further, the disclosed cooling system reduces the need for heat sinks that require expensive materials. The vehicle component cooling system can therefore manage distinct electronic vehicle components using smaller, lighter, and cheaper heat dissipation components. In addition, the disclosed cooling system supports the management of the temperature of electronic vehicle components independent of vehicle motion, enabling electronic vehicle components to operate for longer times over a wider range of environmental and vehicle conditions. These technical advantages provide one or more technological improvements over prior art approaches.

[0077] 1. In various embodiments, a cooling system comprises a central cooling unit, a memory storing a heat transfer control application, and a processor coupled to the memory that when executing the heat transfer control application determines a first temperature associated with a first vehicle component, upon determining that the first temperature exceeds a first temperature threshold for the first vehicle component, determines a first flow rate for a heat transfer fluid based on the first temperature, and causes the heat transfer fluid to flow at the first flow rate through a first cooling block connected to the first vehicle component.

[0078] 2. The cooling system of clause 1, where the processor, when executing the heat transfer control application further determines that a second temperature associated with the first vehicle component is below a second threshold for the first vehicle component, and stops the flow of the heat transfer fluid through the first cooling block.

[0079] 3. The cooling system of clause 1 or 2, further comprising a fluid conduit connecting the central cooling unit to the first cooling block and containing the heat transfer fluid, and a valve connected to the fluid conduit at a position between the central cooling unit and the first cooling block, where stopping the flow of the heat transfer fluid through the first cooling block comprises closing the valve.

[0080] 4. The cooling system of any of clauses 1-3, where the central cooling unit includes a pump, and stopping the flow of the heat transfer fluid through the first cooling block comprises causing the pump to stop pumping the heat transfer fluid.

[0081] 5. The cooling system of any of clauses 1-4, where the processor, when executing the heat transfer control application further determines a second temperature associated with a second vehicle component, upon determining that the second temperature exceeds a second temperature threshold for the second vehicle component, updates the first flow rate for the heat transfer fluid based on at least one of the first temperature or the second temperature, and causes the heat transfer fluid to flow at the updated first flow rate through a second cooling block.

[0082] 6. The cooling system of any of clauses 1-5, where the first flow rate is updated based on both the first temperature and the second temperature.

[0083] 7. The cooling system of any of clauses 1-6, where the processor, when executing the heat transfer control application further determines a second temperature associated with a second vehicle component, upon determining that the second temperature exceeds a second temperature threshold for the second vehicle component, determines a second flow rate for the heat transfer fluid based on the second temperature, the second flow rate being different from the first flow rate, and causes the heat transfer fluid to flow through a second cooling block at the second flow rate.

[0084] 8. The cooling system of any of clauses 1-7, where the central cooling unit further includes a chiller, and the heat transfer fluid flows through the chiller. [0085] 9. The cooling system of any of clauses 1-8, where one or more fans forces air across or through the chiller.

[0086] 10. The cooling system of any of clauses 1-9, where the first vehicle component comprises one of a central processing unit, an audio amplifier, a display, a human-machine interface (HMI) module, an entertainment subsystem, a navigation subsystem, a network module, or an instrument cluster.

[0087] 11. In various embodiments, a computer-implemented method comprises determining a first temperature associated with a first vehicle component, upon determining that the first temperature exceeds a first temperature threshold for the first vehicle component, determining a first flow rate for a heat transfer fluid based on the first temperature, and causing the heat transfer fluid to flow at the first flow rate through a first cooling block connected to the first vehicle component.

[0088] 12. The computer-implemented method of clause 11, further comprising determining that a second temperature associated with the first vehicle component is below a second threshold for the first vehicle component, and stopping the flow of the heat transfer fluid through the first cooling block.

[0089] 13. The computer-implemented method of clause 11 or 12, where determining the first flow rate comprises identifying, from a lookup table, a first entry mapping the first temperature for the first vehicle component to the first flow rate.

[0090] 14. The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 11-13, where causing the heat transfer fluid to flow at the first flow rate comprises controlling one or more of a pump or a valve.

[0091] 15. The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 11-14, where determining the first temperature comprises receiving first temperature data from a baseboard management controller (BMC) monitoring the first vehicle component.

[0092] 16. The computer-implemented method of any clauses 11-15, further comprising determining a second temperature associated with a second vehicle component, upon determining that the second temperature exceeds a second temperature threshold for the second vehicle component, updating the first flow rate for the heat transfer fluid based on at least one of the first temperature or the second temperature, and causing the heat transfer fluid to flow at the updated first flow rate through a second cooling block. [0093] 17. The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 11-16, further comprising determining a second temperature associated with a second vehicle component, upon determining that the second temperature exceeds a second temperature threshold for the second vehicle component, determining a second flow rate for the heat transfer fluid based on the second temperature, the second flow rate being different from the first flow rate, and causing the heat transfer fluid to flow through a second cooling block at the second flow rate.

[0094] 18. In various embodiments, one or more non-transitory computer-readable media store instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of determining a first temperature associated with a first vehicle component, upon determining that the first temperature exceeds a first temperature threshold for the first vehicle component, determines a first flow rate for a heat transfer fluid based on the first temperature, and causing the heat transfer fluid to flow at the first flow rate through a first cooling block connected to the first vehicle component.

[0095] 19. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of clause 18, where the steps further include determining that a second temperature associated with the first vehicle component is below a second threshold for the first vehicle component, and stopping the flow of the heat transfer fluid through the first cooling block.

[0096] 20. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of clause 18 or 19, where the steps further include determining a second temperature associated with a second vehicle component, upon determining that the second temperature exceeds a second temperature threshold for the second vehicle component, determining a second flow rate for the heat transfer fluid based on the second temperature, the second flow rate being different from the first flow rate, and causing the heat transfer fluid to flow through a second cooling block at the second flow rate.

[0097] Any and all combinations of any of the claim elements recited in any of the claims and/or any elements described in this application, in any fashion, fall within the contemplated scope of the present invention and protection.

[0098] The descriptions of the various embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. [0099] Aspects of the present embodiments may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “module,” a “system,” or a “computer.” In addition, any hardware and/or software technique, process, function, component, engine, module, or system described in the present disclosure may be implemented as a circuit or set of circuits. Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

[0100] Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0101] Aspects of the present disclosure are described above with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine. The instructions, when executed via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, enable the implementation of the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. Such processors may be, without limitation, general purpose processors, special-purpose processors, applicationspecific processors, or field-programmable gate arrays.

[0102] The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0103] While the preceding is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.