Heat pipe radiator for pulsating operation and method of manufacturing such heat pipe radiator
By designing alternating curved or meandering channel structures in heat pipe radiators, using inexpensive materials and simplifying manufacturing processes, the problems of insufficient cooling performance and manufacturability in existing technologies are solved, achieving improved high-efficiency cooling and cost-effectiveness.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SIEMENS AG
- Filing Date
- 2021-12-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing heat pipe radiators have shortcomings in terms of cooling performance and manufacturability, especially when integrating pulsating heat pipes, which requires expensive materials and has high manufacturing costs.
Design a heat pipe radiator with an alternating curved or meandering channel structure inside the main body, through which the cooling medium flows along the surface of the main body. It is manufactured by bending and forming processes, using inexpensive materials such as aluminum or plastic, simplifying the manufacturing process, reducing joints, and increasing the surface area to improve heat transfer efficiency.
It achieves high-efficiency cooling performance while reducing manufacturing costs, and improves the stability and reliability of heat pipe radiators, making them suitable for industrial applications.
Smart Images
Figure CN116648593B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a heat pipe radiator, wherein the heat pipe radiator is configured for pulsating heat pipe operation, and wherein the heat pipe radiator has a body. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a radiator. Furthermore, the invention relates to a power semiconductor unit having such a heat pipe radiator and at least one power semiconductor module, and to a power converter having such a heat pipe radiator or such a power semiconductor unit. Background Technology
[0002] For many years, heat pipe radiators have been commercially available for effective cooling. Here, heat is introduced into the closed tubes of the heat pipe radiator to evaporate the liquid. Due to the vacuum within the closed tubes, the liquid condenses at another location within the tubes, and heat can then be transferred from that location, for example, to the ambient air. The capillary effect is used for the reflux of the liquid within the tubes. For this purpose, the inner side of the tubes is designed with a porous structure.
[0003] Pulsating heat pipes (PHP), also known as oscillating heat pipes, do not require a porous structure. The inner side of the pipe can also be smoothly constructed. Heat transfer in pulsating heat pipes also occurs via a liquid, in which a portion of the liquid exists in a gaseous state within the pipe. Due to the heat input, the fluid within the pipe begins to move back and forth. This pulsation is what gives the heat pipe its name.
[0004] Liquid flow back to the heat source occurs through alternating boiling and condensation processes, supported by the geometry of the tube forming the channel, where cooling occurs via evaporation. The channel dimensions, particularly the cross-section, are chosen such that the effect of gravity is relative to surface tension, allowing the liquid to overcome gravity and propagate within the channel. In other words, the geometry is designed so that surface tension dominates relative to gravity. Therefore, for pulsating heat pipes, a porous structure is no longer necessary; instead, capillary action is achieved through the geometry. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to improve heat pipe radiators, particularly in terms of cooling performance and manufacturability.
[0006] This objective is achieved by a heat pipe radiator designed to operate as a pulsating heat pipe. The heat pipe radiator has a body containing at least one closed channel, particularly a channel with an alternating bend or meandering structure. The body has a first body segment with a bend, alternating bend, meandering, or U-shaped structure. A cooling medium, particularly a gaseous cooling medium, can flow along the surface of the first body segment. Multiple segments of the channel and / or, in the case of more than one channel, different channels are arranged parallel to each other. Furthermore, this objective is achieved by a power semiconductor unit having this heat pipe radiator and at least one power semiconductor module, wherein the power semiconductor module is thermally connected to the heat pipe radiator, such that heat generated by power loss through the power semiconductor module can be discharged via the heat pipe radiator to the cooling medium, particularly the gaseous cooling medium, or to ambient air. This objective is also achieved by a power converter having this heat pipe radiator or this power semiconductor unit. This objective is also achieved by a method for manufacturing such a heat pipe radiator, wherein, in a first step, a body or block is manufactured in a block form, wherein the body has channels or the body is connected to the block to generate channels within the connected block, wherein the channels extend in a plane, and wherein, in a second step, the body or block is shaped or bent to generate a first body segment having a curved, alternately curved, particularly transverse to the flow direction of the channels or a preselected direction of the flow direction, meandering or U-shaped structure.
[0007] This invention is particularly based on the knowledge that the thermal efficiency of the first main body section in a heat pipe radiator is strongly correlated with the thermal conductivity of the materials used. Integrating a pulsating heat pipe into the first radiator section can increase the thermal conductivity several times, thereby significantly improving thermal efficiency. This allows expensive materials such as copper to be discarded, especially when cooling performance is better. However, generally, structurally stable (and moldable) materials can be considered, such as electrically insulating materials or materials that are extremely corrosion-resistant or wear-insensitive. The main body is preferably made of aluminum or plastic. These are commercially available, inexpensive to manufacture, and have sufficiently good thermal conductivity.
[0008] The challenge in integrating the pulsating heat pipe into the first body section is cost-effective manufacturing so that it can be used in typical industrial applications at market prices.
[0009] The proposed solution involves generating the various main bodies of a first main body segment with a heat pipe radiator from a single component. This component has one or more PHP structures and alternately bends, for example, at large bending angles (180°), forming a serpentine, meandering, or U-shaped form. Here, the adjustable spacing between the bends can be arbitrarily varied, and the size of the heat pipe radiator can also be varied. Alternatively, the component can alternately bend 90° to the right twice and 90° to the left twice at predetermined intervals, for example, at large bending angles, to achieve a similar result, where the contact area with the heat source can be better varied.
[0010] Ideally, the largest part of the heat pipe radiator, i.e. the body, is produced in a planar state (e.g., by embossing, milling, or rolling processes) or has already been produced in an extrusion process. Subsequently, the body produces the final radiator geometry in subsequent forming processes within its first body segment.
[0011] Therefore, depending on the process, end components can also be produced to close / connect the PHP structure. This can be done, for example, by means of soldering.
[0012] Connectors extending within end members or from one of a plurality of block-shaped elements are used, for example, to connect multiple channels in series or in parallel for simultaneous filling. In other words, two or more channels, particularly two or more adjacent channels, can be connected to each other via end members.
[0013] For example, end components can be embossed, milled, drilled, 3D printed, injection molded, and cast, especially with the aid of temporary molds. In the case of additively added end components, the material does not have to be aluminum. 3D-printed or cast end components with the aid of temporary molds have the potential to improve the performance of pulsating heat pipes when performing hydraulic optimization.
[0014] Another feasible approach is to close the ends of the main body, particularly the two ends, with only one end member, and especially to connect them simultaneously, to achieve a circumferential PHP geometry. This, depending on the geometry, allows for more stable operation of the heat pipe radiator and / or easier opening of the pulsating heat pipes. A particular advantage of this arrangement is that at most two terminations are required for the main body, especially exactly one termination, to connect the channel segment. Alternatively, the main body can also be constructed without closure. Since this channel is used for cooling, it is also referred to below as a cooling channel.
[0015] Therefore, high performance and simple manufacturability of heat pipe radiators can be achieved by first producing the main body in a block mold with built-in meandering cooling channels. The block mold can be understood as a polygonal main body that can be shaped or bent in a meandering manner. An example of such a block mold is a cuboid. Here, this block mold or cuboid does not necessarily have flat surfaces as edges. Nor do they need to be paired and parallel to each other. This is described below as: the block essentially corresponds to or is constructed in a cuboid shape, because the main body does not necessarily have flat surfaces as edges or paired parallel surfaces. For example, to better transfer heat to the cooling medium, the surface area can be increased relative to a planar shape. This can be done, for example, by a wavy shape, especially a wavy shape in a portion of the main body, which is set to form the first main body segment. Furthermore, the surface can also be roughened by protruding or extending elements. In the next step, the main body is shaped or bent so that it obtains a meandering or U-shaped structure in the first main body segment. Here, the main body can be bent into an arc, for example, 90° or 180°. Furthermore, it is also possible, for example, to bend the aluminum body into an arc of 270°, wherein the arcs are advantageously connected directly to each other in different directions. The cooling medium, i.e., air, can flow through the first main body section of the meandering or U-shaped structure. Thus, effective cooling can be achieved.
[0016] In the case of a power semiconductor unit, a heat pipe radiator and a power semiconductor module can form a unit or a part of a unit. For example, the base plate of the power semiconductor module can be formed by a heat pipe radiator or a part of a heat pipe radiator.
[0017] For heat transfer in heat pipe radiators, it has proven particularly advantageous that the preferred flow direction of the cooling medium is transverse to the mounting surface of the heat source.
[0018] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cross-section of the body in the first body segment, perpendicular to the channel orientation, has the same dimensions along the channel for at least 80% of the total length of the body without interruption. In other words, in an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the body is constructed seamlessly along at least 80% of its length in a first direction, corresponding to a pre-selected orientation of the body. A particular advantage of the proposed heat pipe radiator embodiment is that it requires, or at least a small number of terminations. Instead, to maintain the same cross-section, the channel cross-section can have the same dimensions. Here, there are essentially no joints in the first body segment, for example, except for one or more terminations, making the first body segment partially or even completely seamless. By eliminating joints, molding can be performed particularly simply. The risk of breakage that would otherwise be increased at joints is absent or minimally present with this design.
[0019] The first main body section has no interruptions or terminations for most of its length. This is reflected in the fact that the first main body section has the same cross-section for at least 80% of its length along the channel. Advantageously, the cross-section of the channel also remains substantially constant along this length. Variations in the channel structure are achieved only through bending during the manufacturing process.
[0020] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the heat pipe radiator has cooling ribs in the first body section. By providing the cooling ribs to the surface of the body, particularly in the region of the first body section, the heat output from the heat pipe radiator to the cooling medium, which flows along the first body section, is improved and made more efficient. Heat transfer is significantly improved, especially when the temperature difference between the heat pipe radiator and the cooling medium, i.e., air, is small.
[0021] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the heat pipe radiator has at least two bodies. It has proven advantageous that the heat pipe radiator is modularly constructed using multiple bodies, i.e., at least two bodies. Here, the bodies can be constructed identically or differently. This provides redundant cooling design. Even if the cooling effect of one body fails, for example due to a lack of sealing in the channel, sufficient cooling is still ensured by the remaining bodies. It is also possible to manufacture heat pipe radiators with different performance characteristics by using different numbers of identical bodies to form the heat pipe radiator. In other words, the heat pipe radiator has multiple identical bodies. Here, the number of bodies is determined according to the performance of the heat pipe radiator. This allows for the inexpensive manufacture of multiple heat pipe radiators with different performance characteristics.
[0022] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the main bodies are arranged in series, viewed from the perspective of the flowing cooling medium. In this step, the main bodies can be easily fixed together because they are made of the same material (aluminum) and thus undergo the same expansion during heating. Therefore, fatigue due to different expansion is reliably avoided, and the heat pipe radiator achieves a long service life.
[0023] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the heat pipe radiator has a base plate, which is thermally connected to the body, and the base plate is configured for connection to a heat source. Here, the base plate can be designed such that the heat source, such as a semiconductor (also referred to as a power semiconductor in cases of high power and consequently high power loss), can be reliably fixed to the base plate of the heat pipe radiator. Simultaneously, heat expands through the base plate, allowing heat to be uniformly transferred to the body. Here, the base plate can have a groove that can accommodate a portion of a meandering or U-shaped section of the body's first region. By increasing the contact surface between the body and the base plate, heat transfer between the base plate and the body is improved, and the performance of the heat pipe radiator is enhanced. The base plate and the body can be permanently connected to each other, for example, by means of brazing, welding, bonding, clamping, pressing, or other methods.
[0024] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the heat source is located at the edge of the base plate. This arrangement is particularly advantageous because it allows for exceptionally good heat transfer from the heat source through the base plate to the cooling channel. Consequently, the heat pipe radiator is particularly effective in heat transfer to the environment.
[0025] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first main body segment is U-shaped, wherein the first main body segment is connected to a terminating member, particularly to itself, to form an annular body. This design allows for the creation of multiple independent cooling channels within the heat pipe radiator.
[0026] Here, multiple cooling channels can be constructed, for example, by connecting multiple or all cooling channels in series or in parallel.
[0027] This design allows for high redundancy in the heat pipe radiator. Furthermore, cooling air can flow easily through the annular body of the heat pipe radiator. Additionally, the first part of the body can be produced simply through a single bending process.
[0028] A ring shape can be understood as a closed shape. Examples of this include circular shapes, elliptical shapes, or two parallel segments that close at their ends with a semi-circular section.
[0029] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the main body has a second main body section having a flat surface, wherein the surface is configured for connection with a heat source. In this design, the heat source is positioned particularly close to the channel of the main body. Due to this proximity to the channel, the efficient cooling of the heat pipe can be utilized particularly well. In particular, it is advantageous to position the heat source in multiple sections of multiple cooling pipes or cooling channels, or in an environment containing multiple cooling pipes. Here, it has proven advantageous to preferably position the heat source planarly on a plane parallel to the surface extending from the cooling channel. A large amount of heat can be transferred away from the heat source without any significant time delay. Furthermore, the heat pipe radiator can be constructed with only a few components. In its simplest case, the heat pipe radiator is constructed only of a main body having a first region for allowing cooling air to flow through and a second region for positioning the heat source. Therefore, a high-performance and lightweight radiator can be manufactured in a simple manner and at low cost.
[0030] Furthermore, the annular closed first main body section allows flow in a pre-selected direction within the channel. Here, among other things, a sleeve-shaped connector is also provided. This sleeve is characterized by a surrounding retaining ring that not only precisely positions the two open ends of the U-shaped region of the main body but also mechanically protects against displacement. The connecting sleeve preferably includes filling and closing mechanisms.
[0031] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the main body is composed of at least two block-shaped members. If the main body is composed of two block-shaped members, the channel can be manufactured in a simple manner. The channel components can then be respectively disposed at the boundary surfaces of the block-shaped members. Subsequently, the main body can be formed from the block-shaped members by, for example, brazing, welding, bonding, clamping, pressing, or other methods. Therefore, cooling channels can be introduced into the main body in a particularly simple manner.
[0032] Here, when manufacturing the main body from two block-shaped parts, the two block-shaped parts are first joined together to form the main body, or alternatively, the block-shaped parts are first shaped or bent and then joined together to form the main body.
[0033] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the body is manufactured in a block mold by means of an extrusion method. Generally, in this further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the body or block part is manufactured in a block mold by means of an extrusion method, particularly an extrusion method, a continuous casting method, or an injection molding method. Continuous casting or, alternatively, extrusion has proven to be an inexpensive manufacturing method for the body. Here, one embodiment at least partially manufactures the body of the pulsating heat pipe and its associated internal structure by means of an extrusion. Of course, if only the individual U-shaped first body section of the body is provided, then the first body section must have connecting structures at both ends to close the internal cooling structure of the oscillating heat pipe, which would increase costs. Here, aluminum is most suitable, as it currently offers the best cost-effectiveness ratio among its peers in radiators. However, in some applications, the use of plastic can be considered as an alternative. The use of plastic is advantageous, especially when the cooling structure is exposed to moisture or corrosive media or when electrical insulation is required.
[0034] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the main body is milled, stamped, or extruded, particularly the channel is milled, stamped, or extruded into two block-shaped parts. Milling is also a simple manufacturing method. Just in order to manufacture the main body from two block-shaped parts, milling is provided to introduce the channel into the two block-shaped parts. Each block-shaped part can be produced as an identical block in the first step. In the second step, the structure of the channel is milled, stamped, or extruded into the block-shaped parts. Here, for example, the milling of the channel portion can be designed differently depending on the structure of the heat source, thus allowing for different channel designs.
[0035] Furthermore, when using connecting block components, the channel connector and filling opening can be integrated, thereby eliminating the need for other connecting or sealing elements if necessary.
[0036] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cross-section of the channel has a minimum dimension in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm. This geometry has proven particularly advantageous in inducing a capillary effect for large volumes of liquid. Simultaneously, this dimension ensures sufficient fluid flow with minimal pressure loss, thereby ensuring particularly good cooling. When using water, with the addition of antifreeze if necessary, a minimum dimension in the range of 4 mm to 5 mm is advantageous, as sufficient capillary effect is already achievable. Other liquids require at least partially a smaller dimension of up to 0.5 mm to achieve a sufficient capillary effect.
[0037] It has been discovered that exceptionally high power density and performance can be achieved during heat transfer using a geometry of this size. One reason is that material transport occurs almost exclusively via vapor pressure present in the channels. Consequently, heat transfer is exceptionally rapid. This enables the transfer of high amounts of heat, thereby ensuring high power density in the corresponding heat sink. Attached Figure Description
[0038] The present invention will now be described and explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:
[0039] Figures 1 to 4 An embodiment of a heat pipe radiator and a power semiconductor unit is shown.
[0040] Figures 5 to 7 An embodiment of the main body is shown.
[0041] Figures 8 to 14 An embodiment of a heat pipe radiator is shown, and
[0042] Figure 15 The power converter is shown. Detailed Implementation
[0043] Figure 1 A heat pipe radiator 1 is shown, which has a main body 2 and a base plate 7. A heat source 8 is disposed at the base plate 7, which transfers heat Q. th A heat pipe radiator 1 is introduced. If the heat source 8 is a power semiconductor module 11, the combination of the heat pipe radiator 1 and the power semiconductor module 11 is called a power semiconductor unit 10. The body 2 basically has a first body section 21 with a meandering shape. The cooling medium 6, especially a gaseous cooling medium 6, i.e., air, flows along the surface 4 of the first body section 21. This cooling medium 6 is shown by the arrow in the current figure. The body 2 is closed by means of a terminating member 23. The terminating member 23 can also be advantageously used to fill the channel 3, which is not shown in detail here.
[0044] The pulsating gas-liquid mixture inside the channel 3 of the heat pipe radiator 1 is represented by a vertical arrow with two arrowheads.
[0045] Figure 2 Another embodiment of a heat pipe radiator 1 or a power semiconductor unit 10 is shown. The heat pipe radiator 1 has two base plates 7, on which heat sources 8 or power semiconductor modules 11 are respectively disposed, which transfer heat Q. th Introduced into heat pipe radiator 1. To avoid repetition, refer to... Figure 1 The description and the reference numerals introduced therein. Here, the cooling medium 6 also flows along the surface 4 of the first body section 21 of the body 2 through the heat pipe radiator 1, but this is not further shown in this figure and in the following figures by means of arrows and the corresponding reference numerals.
[0046] Figure 3 Another embodiment of the heat pipe radiator 1 is shown. This heat pipe radiator 1 does not include a base plate 7. Therefore, the heat pipe radiator 1 is constructed without a base plate. In addition to a first body section 21 having a meandering structure, the body also has a second body section 22 with a flat surface 9. A heat source 8 or a power semiconductor module 11 is disposed on the flat surface 9 of the second body section 22. To avoid repetition, refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The description and the accompanying reference numerals introduced therein.
[0047] Figure 4 Another embodiment of the heat pipe radiator 1 is shown. This heat pipe radiator 1 has a connecting portion 31 between the first main body section 21 and the second main body section 22. Through this connecting portion 31, heat Q from the heat source 8 is introduced into the second main body section 22 of the main body 2. th Furthermore, it is better transferred to the first main body section 21 of the main body 2, wherein it is transferred to the cooling medium or the gaseous cooling medium. To avoid repetition, refer to... Figures 1 to 3 The description and the accompanying reference numerals introduced therein.
[0048] Figure 5 An embodiment of the body 2 is shown. The body 2 has a block-shaped structure. A channel 3 exists inside the body 2. A two-phase fluid exists in this channel 3, enabling the operation of the heat pipe, particularly a pulsating heat pipe. A termination 23 of the body 2 is used to close and, if necessary, fill the channel. Within the scope of the manufacture of the heat pipe radiator 1, the body 2 is shaped into a meandering or U-shape at the bending portion 32. The region of the meandering or U-shaped structure of the body 2 then forms a first body segment 21, which is used to transfer heat to the cooling medium 6. To avoid repetition, refer to... Figures 1 to 4 The description and the accompanying reference numerals introduced therein.
[0049] Figure 6 Show Figure 5 Different cross-sectional views of the main body 2. Furthermore, the main body 2 is divided into two block-shaped parts 24 that are interconnected within the manufacturing process to form the main body 2. To avoid repetition, refer to... Figures 1 to 5 The description and the reference numerals introduced therein. The body 2 has a channel 3 inside. The blocky construction of the body 2 results in a generally rectangular cross-section. However, in order to increase the surface 4 of the first body segment 21 and thus improve heat transfer from the heat pipe radiator to the cooling medium 6, the body can have a wavy surface on its surface, especially on the surface 4 of the first body segment 21, such as its... Figure 7As shown in the diagram. Alternatively, a zigzag or triangular shape is also feasible. This zigzag or triangular shape also improves heat transfer from the heat pipe radiator 1 to the cooling medium 6, thereby improving the performance of the heat pipe radiator. To avoid repetition, refer to... Figures 1 to 6 The description and the accompanying reference numerals introduced therein.
[0050] Figure 8 Another embodiment of the heat pipe radiator 1 or the power semiconductor unit 10 is shown. To avoid repetition, refer to... Figures 1 to 7 The description and the reference numerals introduced therein. Here, the meandering portion has bends exceeding 180°. For example, the bends can have a range of 270°, wherein opposite bends are directly connected to each other and have no, or at least not necessarily, straight segments. This further increases the surface area 4 of the first body segment 21 that is effective for heat transfer from the heat pipe radiator 1 to the cooling medium 6. This further improves the performance of the heat pipe radiator 1.
[0051] Figure 9 Another embodiment of the heat pipe radiator 1 or the power semiconductor unit 10 is shown. To avoid repetition, refer to... Figures 1 to 8 The description and the reference numerals introduced therein are as follows. The base plate 7 of this embodiment has a recess 33. This recess 33 is configured to receive a portion of the first body segment 21 of the body 2. Here, it proves advantageous. The recess 33 is configured with a boundary surface curved relative to the base plate 7. Thus, the body 2 can abut against the base plate 7. The recess 33 increases the effective surface area for heat transfer between the base plate 7 and the body 2. The increased effective surface area results in improved performance of the heat pipe radiator 1.
[0052] Figure 10 Another embodiment of the heat pipe radiator 1 or the power semiconductor unit 10 is shown. To avoid repetition, refer to... Figures 1 to 9 The description and the reference numerals introduced therein are used. Here, a cooling rib 5 is provided in the first main body section 21 of the main body 2. This cooling rib is also commonly referred to as a rib or pin. The cooling rib can be provided as a rod or plate on the surface 4 of the first main body section 21. Alternatively or additionally, the cooling rib can also be provided in a triangular, i.e., prism-shaped structure on the surface 4 of the first main body section 21. It is also possible, as shown in the middle, to provide the cooling rib between two regions of the first main body section 21.
[0053] It has been found to be particularly advantageous that the cooling ribs 5 extend parallel to the base plate 7 or parallel to the second main body section 21. Heating in the cooling ribs 5 is particularly uniform, and mechanical stress is not generated due to uneven heating of the heat pipe radiator 1.
[0054] Figure 11Another embodiment of the heat pipe radiator 1 is shown, which is constructed without a base plate 7. To avoid repetition, see reference [reference needed]. Figures 1 to 10 The description and the reference numerals introduced therein. A heat source 8 can be disposed in the second main body section. Here, the heat pipe radiator has two open ends 34. If these open ends 34 are closed by means of a termination 23, the main body 2 obtains a closed shape. This is in Figure 12 As shown in [the image]. To avoid repetition, refer to [the image / reference]. Figures 1 to 11 The description and the accompanying reference numerals introduced therein.
[0055] Because multiple channels or channel segments are directly adjacent. Figure 12 The lower cover shows a surface that provides contact with a heat source.
[0056] Figure 13 Another embodiment of the heat pipe radiator 1 is shown. To avoid repetition, refer to... Figures 1 to 12 The description and the reference numerals introduced therein are used. The heat pipe radiator 1 has multiple bodies 2. In this embodiment, the bodies are U-shaped. An annular portion is formed by a terminating member 23 through which the cooling medium 6, particularly gaseous cooling medium 6, can flow. The bodies are connected to a base plate 7, which also ensures that the bodies are aligned vertically with each other. Alternatively, the first body region can also be constructed in a meandering shape. Therefore, when multiple bodies 2 are used to form the heat pipe radiator 1, multiple meandering first regions 21 of the bodies 2 can also be used. Figure 14 The arrangement without the terminating element 23 is shown, from which the U-shaped structure of the main body 2 can be seen.
[0057] Figure 15 A power converter 30 having three power semiconductor units 10 is shown. Each power semiconductor unit 10 has at least one power semiconductor module 11. The power semiconductor modules are cooled or dissipated by means of a heat pipe radiator 1 (not shown in detail here). Here, the heat pipe radiator 1 can be constructed according to one of the above figures.
[0058] In summary, the present invention relates to a heat pipe radiator, wherein the heat pipe radiator is configured for pulsating heat pipe operation, and wherein the heat pipe radiator has a body. To improve the performance and manufacturability of the heat pipe radiator, it is proposed that the body has at least one closed channel internally, particularly a channel with a meandering structure, wherein the body has a first body section with a meandering or U-shaped structure, wherein a cooling medium, particularly a gaseous cooling medium, can flow along the surface of the first body section. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a heat pipe radiator, wherein in a first step, the body or block is manufactured in a block form, wherein the channel extends in a plane, and wherein in a second step, the body or block is shaped or bent to generate a first body section having a meandering or U-shaped structure. The invention also relates to a power semiconductor cell and a power converter having such a heat pipe radiator, wherein the generated heat can be dissipated to the cooling medium by means of the heat pipe radiator.
[0059] In other words, the present invention generally relates to a heat pipe radiator, wherein the heat pipe radiator is configured to operate as a pulsating heat pipe, and wherein the heat pipe radiator has a body. To improve the performance and manufacturability of the heat pipe radiator, it is proposed that the body has at least one closed channel internally, particularly a channel with an alternating bend or meandering structure, wherein the body has a first body segment with a bend, alternating bend, meandering, or U-shaped structure, wherein a cooling medium, particularly a gaseous cooling medium, can flow along the surface of the first body segment, wherein multiple segments of the channel and / or, in the case of more than one channel, different channels are arranged parallel to each other. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a heat pipe radiator, wherein, in a first step, the body or block is manufactured in a block form, wherein the channel extends in a plane, and wherein, in a second step, the body or block is shaped or bent to generate a first body segment having an alternating bend, meandering, or U-shaped structure. The present invention also relates to a power semiconductor unit and a power converter having such a heat pipe radiator, wherein the generated heat can be discharged to a cooling medium by means of the heat pipe radiator.
Claims
1. A heat pipe radiator (1), wherein, The heat pipe radiator (1) is configured to operate as a pulsating heat pipe, wherein the heat pipe radiator (1) has a body (2), wherein the body (2) includes at least one closed channel (3) inside, wherein a fluid is disposed in the channel (3), wherein a portion of the fluid exists in the channel (3) in a gaseous form, wherein the edges of the channel (3) are designed to be smooth, wherein the body (2) has a first body segment (21) with a curved, alternating curved, meandering or U-shaped structure, wherein a cooling medium (6) is capable of flowing along the surface (4) of the first body segment (21), wherein multiple segments of the channel (3) and / or multiple different channels (3) in the case of more than one channel (3) are arranged parallel to each other, wherein the body (2) is composed of two block members (24), wherein a portion of the channel (3) is respectively arranged at the boundary surface of the block member (24).
2. The heat pipe radiator (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The cross section of the body (2) oriented perpendicular to the channel (3) in the first body segment (21) has the same dimensions along the channel (3) for at least 80% of the uninterrupted length of the total length of the body (2).
3. The heat pipe radiator (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, The heat pipe radiator (1) has cooling ribs (5) on the first main body section (21).
4. The heat pipe radiator (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, The heat pipe radiator (1) has at least two bodies (2).
5. The heat pipe radiator (1) according to claim 4, wherein, Viewed from the perspective of the flowing cooling medium (6), the main body (2) is arranged in series.
6. The heat pipe radiator (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, The heat pipe radiator (1) has a base plate (7), wherein the base plate (7) is thermally connected to the main body (2), and wherein the base plate (7) is configured to connect to a heat source (8).
7. The heat pipe radiator (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The heat source (8) is located at the edge of the base plate (7).
8. The heat pipe radiator (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, The first main body section (21) is U-shaped, wherein the first main body section (21) is connected to the termination member (23).
9. The heat pipe radiator (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The first main body segment (21) is connected to itself to form a ring-shaped main body.
10. The heat pipe radiator (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, The main body (2) has a second main body section (22) having a flat surface (9) wherein the surface (9) is configured for connection with a heat source (8).
11. The heat pipe radiator (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, The cross-section of the channel has a minimum dimension in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm.
12. The heat pipe radiator (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, The first main body segment (21) is constructed in a jointless manner.
13. The heat pipe radiator (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, The main body (2) is constructed as a single unit.
14. The heat pipe radiator (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, The channel (3) is constructed in an alternating curved or meandering shape.
15. A power semiconductor unit (10) having: - The heat pipe radiator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, and - At least one power semiconductor module (11). in, The power semiconductor module (11) is thermally connected to the heat pipe radiator (1), so that the heat generated by the power loss of the power semiconductor module (11) can be discharged to the cooling medium (6) or to the ambient air by means of the heat pipe radiator (1).
16. A power converter (30) having a heat pipe radiator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 or a power semiconductor unit (10) according to claim 15.
17. A method for manufacturing a heat pipe radiator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, In the first step, a block (24) is manufactured in a block form, wherein the body (2) is connected to the block (24) to generate a channel (3) inside the connected block (24), wherein the channel (3) extends in a plane, wherein in the second step, the body (2) or the block (24) is shaped or bent to generate the first body segment (21) having a curved, alternating curved, meandering or U-shaped structure.
18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, In the second step, the main body (2) or the block (24) is shaped or bent to generate the first main body segment (21) having a flow direction transverse to the channel (3) or a preselected direction of the flow direction.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein, The main body (2) is constructed seamlessly over at least 80% of its scale in a first direction in a manner that is uninterrupted along its length in the first direction, wherein the first direction corresponds to a pre-selected direction of the orientation of the channel (3).
20. The method of claim 17, wherein, The main body (2) is formed by modifying a single block-shaped component.
21. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The main body (2) is formed by at least two block-shaped pieces (24).
22. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The main body (2) or the block part (24) is manufactured in a block mold by means of an extrusion method, a continuous casting method or an injection molding method.
23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, The main body (2) or the block (24) is manufactured in a block mold by means of an extrusion method using an extruder.
24. The method of claim 17, wherein, The main body (2) is milled, stamped or extruded.
25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, The channel (3) is milled, punched or extruded into the two blocks (24).