Power converter and method of operating a power converter
By measuring and estimating the cooling system parameters of the power converter, the problem of efficiency degradation caused by radiator blockage was solved, providing early warning and predictive maintenance, extending equipment life and reducing maintenance costs.
CN116131716BActive Publication Date: 2026-07-21VACON OY
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Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- VACON OY
- Filing Date
- 2022-11-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
Technical Problem
Existing power converters are prone to radiator blockage in dusty environments, leading to decreased efficiency. Regular alarms and trips often occur only after the blockage becomes severe, making it difficult to accurately determine the frequency and method of maintenance.
Method used
By measuring the coolant inlet and radiator temperatures, the radiator thermal resistance is estimated and compared with a reference value. The output signal is then used to predict radiator blockage and provide predictive maintenance.
Benefits of technology
It enables early prediction of radiator blockage, reduces the risk of unnecessary downtime, extends equipment life, and lowers maintenance costs.
✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.
Smart Images
Figure CN116131716B_ABST
Abstract
The invention relates to an electric power converter, for example a motor drive for driving an electric motor. The converter comprises a cooling system having a heat sink for dissipating thermal energy generated by the converter and a coolant flow device for cooling the heat sink, a first measuring device for measuring the temperature of the coolant inlet, a second measuring device for measuring the temperature of the heat sink, an estimation device for estimating the thermal energy transferred to the heat sink, wherein the converter estimates a thermal resistance of the heat sink based on the measured temperatures and the estimated thermal energy transferred to the heat sink, compares the estimated thermal resistance with a reference value and outputs a signal in case the difference between the estimated thermal resistance and the reference value exceeds a threshold value. The invention also relates to a method for operating an electric power converter.
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