Method and apparatus for thermal management of CT electronics

A method for regulating the temperature of Computed Tomography (CT) detector array electronics for CT imaging machines wherein there are apertures between the CT detector electronics, comprising the steps of:

• sealing the CT electronics in an enclosure;
• circulating air through the enclosure;
• and
• using a thermoelectric cooler to cool the circulating air.

An apparatus for cooling the electronics of a CT detector array, said detector array comprised of a plurality of photodiodes, said photodiodes being connected to analog to digital converters, said analog to digital converters generating heat when in operation:

• a hot side plenum for accumulating air heated by the electronics;
• a thermoelectric cooler attached to one end of the hot side plenum;
• a heat sink connected in thermal relationship to the thermal electric cooler;
• a cold side plenum for directing air across the electronics;
• and
• a circulation fan to draw air from the hot side plenum across the thermoelectric cooler and into the cold side plenum.

An apparatus for regulating the temperature of CT detector array electronics for computed tomography imaging machines comprising:

• a plurality of heat pipes in thermal contact with the electronics, said heat pipes extending outwardly from a spreader plate;
• a heat sink attached to said heat pipes;
• a blower cage containing said spreader plate;
• and
• a circulation fan for blowing air across the heat sink.

An apparatus for regulating the temperature of CT detector array electronics for computed tomography imaging machines comprising:

• a spreader plate in thermal contact with the electronics;
• a plurality of heat pipes, attached to the spreader plate, said heat pipes being in thermal contact with the spreader plate;
• a heat sink attached to said spreader heat pipes;
• a blower cage containing said spreader plate;
• and
• a circulation fan for blowing air across the heat sink.