Market assessment of self-regulated heat sink device for uniform temperature distribution

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Many electrical systems require active cooling, not only to prevent overheating but also to maintain the components at constant and uniform temperature. As the operating conditions change over time and spatially across the system, a fixed cooling system cannot maintain the components at a uniform and constant temperature. The invention consists of a heat sink with an array of fins that locally deform to adapt the thermal resistance as a function of the local temperature. The proposed device has the ability to provide good temperature uniformity of the cooled object under variable and non-uniform heat flux, while minimizing the pressure drop and therefore the pumping power. This patent-pending approach has been successfully demonstrated (TRL 4) and is being developed further, seeking for industrial partners to promote its development and adoption. The preliminary path for commercialization of the technology will be through licences with well established companies that provide liquid cooling solutions to the electronics, telecom, aerospace/military and automotive industries. A specific focus will be given to the automotive (primarily batteries and power electronics for electric cars) and data center (microelectronics) thermal management markets. The proposed market assessment will provide information on key elements that will help us to implement a technology development and commercialization strategy. The study will seek to define the market size and trends, competitive landscape, opportunities/barriers to entry, market impact assessment, adoption/commercialisation and product positioning. Comprehensive market data will be gained from references and by analysing market data, followed by extensive primary market research with structured and in-depth interviews of key stakeholders. The study will be conducted by an experienced firm in this field, accompanied by a technology sector specialist in thermal management. Its outcome will allow us to define the path towards the development of the technology, potential industrial partners for the development of the technology and its commercialisation.