Heat transfer unit

Abstract

The heat transfer unit is arranged to transfer heat to or remove heat from a thermal element mountable on the heat transfer unit. The heat transfer unit includes: a first outlet distribution channel connected to the outlet channel; a first inlet distribution channel connected to the inlet channel and disposed adjacent to and parallel to the first outlet distribution channel; a second outlet distribution channel connected to the outlet channel and disposed adjacent to and parallel to the first inlet distribution channel; a barrier element disposed between the thermal element on one side and the first inlet distribution channel and the first outlet distribution channel and the second outlet distribution channel on the other side when the thermal element is mounted on the heat transfer unit, the barrier element having a flat upper surface, the planar upper surface is parallel to and offset from the thermal element. The unit also includes at least one first inlet opening associated with the first inlet distribution channel, at least one first outlet opening associated with the first outlet distribution channel, and at least one second outlet opening associated with the second outlet distribution channel. A total area of the at least one first inlet opening is less than a total area of the at least one first outlet opening and less than a total area of the at least one second outlet opening. In this way, an effective heat transfer unit with a low pressure drop may be provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat transfer unit adapted to transfer heat to or remove heat from a heat element that can be mounted on or from the heat element.

[0002] According to the present invention, the term "heat transfer unit" is understood as a unit that can transfer heat to or remove heat from a heat element. When heat is transferred from a heat element to a heat transfer unit, the heat transfer unit may be referred to as a cooling unit. When heat is transferred from a heat transfer unit to a heat element, the heat transfer unit may be referred to as a heating unit.

[0003] A "thermal element" is understood as a component that generates or absorbs heat over a period of time. Its function changes depending on its state. An example of a thermal element that generates heat and transfers it to a heat transfer unit is a power supply module. An example of a thermal element that absorbs heat from a heat transfer unit is an air-cooled radiator. An air-cooled radiator absorbs heat from a heat transfer unit and releases it into the air surrounding the radiator.

[0004] In most cases, the heat transfer unit according to the invention is used as a cooling unit, wherein a heat-generating element, such as a power module, is mounted on the heat transfer unit, and heat is transferred from the heat element to the heat transfer unit. However, the heat transfer unit of the invention can also be used to transfer heat from a fluid flowing through the heat transfer unit to a cooling device, such as an air-cooled radiator. An example can be conceived where a first heat transfer unit according to the invention is disposed in a first location and equipped with a power module. The first heat transfer unit is in fluid communication with a second heat transfer unit according to the invention, which is disposed in a second location and equipped with an air-cooled finned radiator. Heat from the electronic power module is absorbed from the power module in the first location and then released into the air in the second location. Background Technology

[0005] As is well known, power modules generate heat in power electronics technology. To maintain the performance and safety of the power module, active cooling is required. Many different cooling methods are available in the current technology. Early power modules used air cooling, but the increasing power handled by current power modules has led to increased cooling demands. Due to the typically need for compact cooling modules, liquid cooling units are now commonly used because liquids are better conductors of heat than air. Therefore, many advanced liquid cooling units are now available. These units also optimize lifespan and are more flexible than air-cooled units because hot water can be guided away from the power module location to an external location via hoses or pipes, allowing heat to dissipate more efficiently and safely at the external location.

[0006] European patent application EP1331665 discloses an example of a liquid cooling unit for a power module. This cooling unit employs a double-layer design, with one layer for the inlet and one for the outlet. The unit structure is quite complex due to the need for long, thin pipes to transport coolant to the power module between the inlet and outlet layers. This complex arrangement also significantly increases the unit's pressure drop.

[0007] European patent application EP2207201 provides another example of a cooling unit. Here, the inlet and outlet openings are positioned in a unit with curved walls, the bends of which guide the liquid. A pressure drop occurs every 90° change in the direction of the water flow. Therefore, such a cooling unit experiences a significant pressure drop. Summary of the Invention

[0008] A first aspect of the invention is to provide a heat transfer unit that provides a more uniform temperature across the entire surface of the unit. This increases the efficiency of the unit and ensures that the thermal elements mounted on the unit are cooled more uniformly.

[0009] A second aspect of the invention is to provide a heat transfer unit with a low pressure drop across the unit. This will reduce the pump power required to drive the cooling fluid through the unit.

[0010] A third aspect of the invention is to provide a heat transfer unit having low thermal resistance between the unit and a thermal element mounted on the unit.

[0011] These aspects are provided by the heat transfer unit according to claim 1.

[0012] This arrangement provides a heat transfer unit with a low pressure drop, while maintaining efficient cooling of the thermal elements even at low flow rates of the cooling fluid. Furthermore, by maintaining a narrow distance between the bottom surface of the thermal element mounted on the unit and the upper surface of the unit's barrier element, the flow velocity of the cooling fluid across the entire surface is increased. This results in even more efficient cooling.

[0013] It should be noted that the term "cooling fluid" is used in the current specification. This term is quite broad. In most cases, the cooling fluid is a liquid. Some examples of non-limiting cooling fluids are water, brine, and oil. Various additives can be added to improve performance; for example, ethylene glycol can be added to water to prevent freezing, lubricants to provide lubrication, additives to increase boiling temperature, and so on. However, in some more advanced units, the fluid may be in different states in different parts of the equipment. For example, the fluid may be in a liquid state in one part of the equipment, while in another part it may be in a gaseous state. In this way, the energy required for evaporation and the energy released during condensation can be utilized to increase heat transfer efficiency.

[0014] It should be noted that, in this specification, the phrase "total area of ​​at least one opening associated with a distribution channel" should be understood to include the total area of ​​all openings associated with a particular distribution channel. For example, in the embodiment shown in the figures, there are three inlet openings associated with each inlet distribution channel. Therefore, "total area of ​​at least one first opening associated with a first inlet distribution channel" should be understood to be the total area of ​​the three inlet openings associated with the first inlet distribution channel.

[0015] It should be noted that in the orientation shown in the figure, the outward-facing surface of the barrier element is also the upper surface of the barrier element. Generally, when a thermal element is mounted on a unit, the outward-facing surface should be understood as the surface facing the interface surface of the thermal element.

[0016] In some embodiments, the total area of ​​at least one first inlet opening associated with the first inlet distribution channel is less than the total area of ​​at least one second outlet opening associated with the second outlet distribution channel.

[0017] In some embodiments, the offset distance between the outer surface of the barrier element and the thermal unit is greater than 0.2 mm, 0.4 mm, or 0.6 mm. In some embodiments, the offset distance is less than 2.5 mm, 2 mm, or 1.5 mm. In some embodiments, the offset distance is 1 mm.

[0018] In some embodiments, the heat transfer unit further includes a second inlet distribution channel configured adjacent to and parallel to the second outlet distribution channel, and at least one second inlet opening associated with the second inlet distribution channel, the at least one second inlet opening passing through a barrier element such that the outer surface of the barrier element is in fluid communication with the second inlet distribution channel, and the total area of ​​the at least one second inlet opening associated with the second inlet distribution channel is smaller than the total area of ​​the at least one second outlet opening associated with the second outlet distribution channel. In some embodiments, the total area of ​​the at least one second inlet opening associated with the second inlet distribution channel is smaller than the total area of ​​the at least one first outlet opening associated with the first outlet distribution channel.

[0019] In some embodiments, a first inlet distribution channel and a first outlet distribution channel are configured as a first pair, and a second inlet distribution channel and a second outlet distribution channel are configured as a second pair. In some embodiments, a third, fourth, fifth, or more pairs of inlet distribution channels and outlet distribution channels having associated inlet openings and outlet openings are arranged adjacent to each other in a manner similar to the first and second pairs and have similar dimensional relationships.

[0020] In some embodiments with multiple inlet distribution channels and multiple outlet distribution channels, a flow-limiting element can be provided between certain inlet openings and outlet openings to control fluid flow between them. For example, in an embodiment having a first inlet distribution channel, a first outlet distribution channel, a second inlet distribution channel, and a second outlet distribution channel arranged in this order, a wall-like flow-limiting element can be provided between the first outlet distribution channel and the second inlet distribution channel. Thus, fluid injected via at least one first inlet opening associated with the first inlet distribution channel will only flow to at least one first outlet opening associated with the first outlet distribution channel, because the wall obstructing fluid flow will prevent the fluid from flowing to at least one second outlet opening. Depending on the desired function, other methods can also be used to control fluid flow within the control unit.

[0021] In some embodiments, the barrier element is a plate element, and the flat, outward-facing surface of the barrier element is the outward-facing surface of the plate element. In some embodiments, the plate element has a thickness greater than 1 mm and less than 10 mm. In some embodiments, when the heat element is mounted on a heat transfer unit, the heat transfer unit includes a spacer element disposed between the outward-facing surface of the barrier element and the heat element. In some embodiments, the barrier element, as well as the inlet distribution channel and the outlet distribution channel, are parts of the same integrally formed physical component.

[0022] In some embodiments, the heat transfer unit includes a manifold element, wherein a first inlet distribution channel, a first outlet distribution channel, and a second outlet distribution channel are all portions of the manifold element. In some embodiments, the manifold element is an injection-molded element.

[0023] In some embodiments, the barrier element is a separate component from the manifold element. In some embodiments, the manifold element is attached to the barrier element, for example, by adhesive or welding. In some embodiments, the connection between the barrier element and the manifold element is a sealed connection.

[0024] In some embodiments, at least one first inlet opening associated with the first inlet distribution channel is configured as an elongated hole. In some embodiments, at least one first inlet opening is a circular hole.

[0025] In some embodiments, at least one first inlet opening associated with a first inlet allocation channel includes at least two first inlet openings. In some embodiments, at least one first inlet opening includes at least three inlet openings. In some embodiments having multiple inlet allocation channels, the multiple inlet allocation channels are associated with multiple inlet openings.

[0026] In some embodiments having at least two inlet openings, the at least two first inlet openings are arranged along a straight path. In some embodiments, the straight path is arranged along the longitudinal axis of a first inlet distribution channel associated with the at least two first inlet openings.

[0027] In some embodiments, at least one first outlet opening associated with a first outlet distribution channel is configured as an elongated orifice and / or at least one second outlet opening associated with a second outlet distribution channel is configured as an elongated orifice. In some embodiments, the total length of at least one first outlet opening and / or the total length of at least one second outlet opening is greater than the total length of at least one first inlet opening. In some embodiments, the length of at least one first outlet opening and / or at least one second outlet opening is at least 50%, at least 65%, or at least 80% of the length of the outlet distribution channel associated with it.

[0028] In some embodiments, at least one outlet opening associated with an outlet distribution channel is configured to be parallel to at least one inlet opening associated with an inlet distribution channel adjacent to the outlet distribution channel. In some embodiments, at least one outlet opening of each of the first and second outlet distribution channels is parallel to the inlet opening of the first inlet distribution channel.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first outlet distribution channel and the second outlet distribution channel have the same cross-sectional area and / or the same length. For the purposes of this specification and this statement, the cross-sectional area is defined in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the outlet distribution channel. In some embodiments having multiple inlet distribution channels, at least two of the multiple inlet distribution channels have the same cross-sectional area and / or the same length. In some embodiments having multiple inlet distribution channels, all the distribution channels have the same cross-sectional area and the same length. In some embodiments having multiple outlet distribution channels, all the distribution channels have the same cross-sectional area. In some embodiments, the multiple inlet and / or outlet distribution channels include three, four, five, or six distribution channels.

[0030] It should be emphasized that the term "comprising / including / consisting of" is used in this specification to specify the presence of the stated feature, integer, step, or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof. For example, if a claim unit includes four inlet distribution channels, it should be understood as "at least four inlet distribution channels." In other words, units with five, six, or more distribution channels will also be included. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be emphasized that the embodiments shown are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0032] Figure 1 A front top perspective view of the heat transfer unit according to the present invention, equipped with a power supply module, is shown.

[0033] Figure 2 The diagram shows the version without a power supply module. Figure 1 A top-view perspective view of the heat transfer unit.

[0034] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the top front view of the heat transfer unit.

[0035] Figure 4 It shows that according to Figure 1 The IV-IV line is drawn as defined in the standard. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the heat transfer unit.

[0036] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 A top view of the barrier element of the heat transfer unit.

[0037] Figure 6 A top view of an alternative embodiment of the barrier element is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Figures 1 to 5 Different views and / or different components of a first embodiment of the heat transfer unit 1 according to the invention are shown, as well as a heat element 50 mounted on the heat transfer unit in the form of a power supply module 50. The power supply module is fixed to the heat transfer unit by bolts 52. The power supply module is schematically shown in the figures. Power supply modules are known in the art and will not be described further in this specification. As previously mentioned, the heat transfer unit according to the invention can be used with many different kinds of heat elements. These heat elements share a common feature: a flat interface surface 58 (located at the bottom of the module in the embodiment shown in the figures). The heat element is designed such that the main heat transfer occurs via this flat interface surface.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 4An embodiment of the heat transfer unit 1 shown includes a rectangular aluminum block 2 with a flat upper surface 4. A rectangular groove 6 is formed on the upper surface of the aluminum block. A first circular hole 8 is provided on one end face 10 of the aluminum block. The first circular hole provides fluid connection between the end face 10 and the rectangular groove formed in the aluminum block. A second circular hole 12 is provided on the opposite end face 14 of the aluminum block. The second circular hole is hidden in the orientation shown in the figure, but it can be imagined to be located on the opposite side in a similar manner, but arranged closer to the front surface of the aluminum block, as indicated by the output arrow 17. The second circular hole provides fluid connection between the opposite end face and the rectangular groove formed in the aluminum block.

[0040] With suitable fittings (not shown), cooling fluid, such as water with or without suitable additives known in the art, can be injected into the rectangular groove through the first circular hole 8 and ejected from the rectangular groove through the second circular hole 12. In the figure, the flow is from the first circular hole to the second circular hole via input arrow 16 and output arrow 17, but the opposite flow direction is also conceivable. Similarly, in another embodiment (not shown), the inlet and outlet fittings can be located on the same side of the aluminum block. Alternatively, they can be located at the bottom and / or top of the aluminum block, depending on the arrangement of the internal channels of the aluminum block. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, many other options are also possible.

[0041] While the current embodiment uses an aluminum block, other embodiments may use other materials or shapes. In some embodiments (not shown), plastic or polymer blocks may be considered. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that many suitable materials are available.

[0042] A dispensing element 20 is provided within a rectangular groove. The dispensing element complements the rectangular groove in the aluminum block, such that the dispensing element substantially fills the rectangular groove. The dispensing element has an elongated groove 22 disposed along a first long side 24 of the dispensing element. When the dispensing element is disposed within the rectangular groove, the groove 22, together with the sides and bottom of the rectangular groove in the aluminum block, forms an inlet channel 22. A second elongated groove 26 is disposed along the opposite long side 28 of the dispensing element, and when the dispensing element is disposed within the rectangular groove, the second elongated groove 26, together with the sides and bottom of the rectangular groove in the aluminum block, forms an outlet channel 26.

[0043] The inlet channel is configured to allow cooling fluid entering the rectangular groove via the first circular orifice 8 to flow along the entire length of the first long side 24 of the distribution element. The size of the inlet channel is selected to ensure that the pressure of the cooling fluid in the inlet channel is substantially constant along the entire length of the channel. The outlet channel is configured to be fluidly connected to the second circular orifice 12. The cooling fluid in the outlet channel is able to flow along the opposite long side 28 of the rectangular groove and exit the rectangular groove via the second circular orifice. Similarly, the size of the outlet channel is selected to ensure that the pressure in the outlet channel is substantially constant along the entire length of the outlet channel.

[0044] An inlet channel is connected to a plurality of inlet distribution channels 30. The inlet distribution channels are parallel to each other and offset from each other along the length of the distribution element. In this embodiment, the inlet distribution channels are configured perpendicular to the length direction of the inlet channel; however, other arrangements are conceivable in other embodiments. Each inlet distribution channel is fluidly connected to the inlet channel at one end 32 and closed at the other end 34. Similarly, an outlet channel is connected to a plurality of outlet distribution channels 36. Like the inlet distribution channels, the outlet distribution channels are also parallel to each other and offset from each other along the longitudinal axis of the distribution element. Likewise, like the inlet distribution channels, the outlet distribution channels in this embodiment are configured perpendicular to the length direction of the outlet channel. Each outlet distribution channel is fluidly connected to the outlet channel at a first end 38 and closed at the other end 40. Since the inlet and outlet channels are located on opposite sides of the distribution element, they are mirror-symmetrical, and the orientations of their open and closed ends are opposite. Other arrangements are also conceivable.

[0045] As shown in the figure, the inlet distribution channel and the outlet distribution channel alternate along the longitudinal axis of the distribution element. Therefore, each inlet distribution channel has at least one adjacent outlet distribution channel. In this embodiment, the inlet and outlet distribution channels are arranged in pairs, totaling eight pairs of distribution channels.

[0046] Due to the size and shape of the inlet distribution channels, when fluid is present in the inlet channels, the fluid will flow into the inlet distribution channels, and the pressure in all inlet distribution channels and inlet channels is essentially the same. Similarly, due to the size and shape of the outlet distribution channels, when fluid is present in the outlet distribution channels, the fluid will flow into the outlet channels, and the pressure in all outlet distribution channels and outlet channels is essentially constant.

[0047] The barrier element 42 is plate-shaped and disposed on top of the inlet and outlet distribution channels. The inlet and outlet distribution channels are configured as U-shaped cross-section channels, which open at their tops. The barrier element is configured such that a major surface of the plate presses against the upper surface of the U-shaped cross-section channel to substantially close the U-shaped cross-section channel.

[0048] The barrier element also has a series of inlet openings 44 and a series of outlet openings 46, which are arranged as through holes through the thickness of the plate. The inlet openings 44 are configured such that the upper surface 48 of the plate is in fluid communication with the inlet distribution channel, and the outlet openings are configured such that the upper surface 48 of the plate is in fluid communication with the outlet distribution channel.

[0049] In this way, the fluid entering the inlet channel through the first circular hole will be distributed to the inlet distribution channel, and then ejected from the inlet opening under high pressure. The fluid will then impact the flat interface surface 58 of the power module 50 at high speed and be redirected back to the upper surface 48 of the barrier element. The pressure of the fluid remaining between the upper surface of the distribution plate and the power module will be higher than the pressure within the outlet distribution channel. Therefore, the fluid will be driven through the outlet opening and into the outlet distribution channel, and then further flow into the outlet channel to exit the rectangular groove via the second circular hole.

[0050] As described above, the heat transfer unit is arranged such that the power module 50 can be mounted on the heat transfer unit via bolts 52. The bolts engage with threaded holes 54 located around the periphery of a rectangular recess in the aluminum block. The unit is configured such that the flat interface surface of the power module is slightly offset relative to the upper surface 48 of the barrier element. This creates a small gap 56 between the flat interface surface 58 of the power module and the upper surface 48 of the barrier element. Liquid is driven into this gap through an inlet opening in the barrier element and exits through an outlet opening in the barrier element. Due to the relatively small gap between the barrier element and the interface surface of the power module, the fluid flow velocity is quite high, resulting in efficient heat transfer.

[0051] In this embodiment, to seal the connection between the power module and the heat transfer unit, a flat plastic plate element 62 and an O-ring 64 are provided between the power module and the aluminum block. The O-ring 64 is disposed within a rectangular groove in the flat plastic plate element surrounding the rectangular recess to provide an effective seal between the aluminum block and the power module. When the power module is pressed against the aluminum block, the O-ring is compressed. Other sealing arrangements are also possible. For example, in one embodiment (not shown), a rectangular groove can be formed directly in the aluminum block, and an O-ring can be directly disposed within the rectangular groove. When the power module is pressed against the aluminum block, the O-ring will be compressed between the power module and the aluminum block.

[0052] In the embodiment shown in the figure, there are 8 inlet distribution channels and 8 outlet distribution channels. The barrier element has three inlet openings connected to each inlet distribution channel. Each inlet opening is an elongated oval orifice 3 mm long and 1 mm wide. The three inlet openings are arranged in a straight line along a linear path that extends longitudinally along the inlet distribution channel associated with each inlet opening. The barrier element in this embodiment has a single outlet opening associated with each outlet distribution channel. Each outlet opening is an elongated oval orifice 50 mm long and 1 mm wide. The total area of ​​the three inlet openings associated with a particular inlet distribution channel is smaller than the area of ​​a single outlet opening associated with an adjacent outlet distribution channel. Therefore, fluid is injected under high pressure through the inlet openings and can then easily flow out through the larger outlet opening.

[0053] It should be noted that the sizes of different components and the capacity of the pump are selected to ensure that the flow rate through all inlet openings is substantially the same. This is, of course, based on the expected flow rate of the cooling fluid through the unit. At higher flow rates, the size needs to be increased, which is well known to those skilled in the art of fluid dynamics.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing element 20 is formed as a two-piece unit, wherein the lower component 66 includes a dispensing channel, and a barrier element is mounted on the lower component. The lower component can also be considered as a manifold element that redirects cooling fluid within the unit. Rectangular tabs 68 on the lower component engage with and pass through rectangular openings 70 on the barrier element. This ensures the positioning of the barrier element relative to the lower component, thereby ensuring the positioning of the dispensing channel. The tabs are further configured to extend upward above the upper surface of the barrier element and press upward against the interface surface of the power module. In this way, they ensure that the gap between the power module and the barrier element is constant. In the current embodiment, the lower component and the barrier element are joined together by adhesive to form a single unit, which is placed in a rectangular recess in an aluminum block. It can be considered that in one embodiment (not shown), the lower component can be manufactured as an injection-molded component having an inlet channel and an outlet channel, as well as an inlet dispensing channel and an outlet dispensing channel. The barrier element can be made from a single plate element that is cut to the correct shape and provided with suitable inlet / outlet openings.

[0055] Figure 6 Another embodiment of the barrier element 80 is shown. Its general operating principle is similar to... Figure 5The first barrier element shown is the same; however, in this example, a circular hole 82 is provided instead of an oblong rectangular hole as the inlet opening. Results show that the oblong hole performs better than the circular hole, but the overall effect is similar. Furthermore, the oblong hole has a greater tolerance for particulate matter in the cooling fluid, and the clogging frequency of the distribution element with the oblong inlet opening may be lower than that of the plate with the circular opening. However, other opening arrangements can be provided within the scope of this invention.

[0056] This distribution element design can be further adapted to specific module types by adjusting the size of the barrier element, adding additional inlets and / or outlets, and / or adjusting the size and / or changing the position of the inlets and / or outlets. For example, if cooling a longer and narrower power module is required, a longer and narrower distribution element design can be selected. Similarly, the number and size of the distribution channels can be adjusted according to the specific heat element to be installed on the heat transfer unit. If the specific location of the highest temperature region on the heat element is known, the inlet opening can be configured to directly inject fluid into the highest temperature region. Many different arrangements are possible within the scope of this invention.

[0057] In some embodiments, it is conceivable that the block and dispensing element can be provided in different combinations instead of providing a dispensing element disposed within the block having grooves. For example, in one embodiment, the block and lower component can be formed as a single, integral part, such as by 3D printing, and then a barrier plate can be mounted on the assembly of the block and lower component. In another embodiment, the block and lower component can be formed by a casting operation and then further processed. Many options will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0058] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the barrier element is mounted on the manifold element to form a dispensing element. However, within the scope of the invention, certain components can be integrated with the thermal element. For example, in one embodiment (not shown), the barrier element can be fixed to the thermal element itself. Then, when the thermal element is mounted on the block, the barrier element is pressed against the manifold portion. Or in another embodiment (not shown), the dispensing element can be directly fixed to the thermal element. For example, the manifold portion and the barrier element can be attached to the thermal element. Then, when the thermal element is mounted on the block, the dispensing element is inserted into a rectangular recess. Many different combinations are conceivable.

[0059] In the accompanying drawings, a power module is mounted on the heat transfer unit. In this case, the power module generates heat, and the heat transfer unit can be described as a cooling unit for cooling the power module. However, in another embodiment (not shown), a heat sink can be mounted on the heat transfer unit instead of the power module. For example, a finned heat sink with a flat-bottomed interface surface can be mounted on the heat transfer unit. In this case, a high-temperature liquid can be injected into the heat transfer unit, and then the high-temperature liquid will be injected onto the bottom surface of the finned heat sink. Heat will then be transferred from the liquid to the air outside the component through the heat sink fins. In this case, the energy flow is reversed when compared with the embodiment shown in the figures. Therefore, this unit is not called a cooling module but a heat transfer unit to more broadly encompass the invention.

[0060] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description have illustrated exemplary embodiments in a simple and illustrative manner. Many specific mechanical details are not shown, as those skilled in the art should be familiar with such details and would only unnecessarily complicate the description. For example, specific materials and injection molding procedures are not described in detail, as it is believed that those skilled in the art will be able to find suitable materials and processes for manufacturing the heat transfer unit according to the invention.

Claims

1. A heat transfer unit configured to transfer heat to or remove heat from a heat element mountable on or from the heat transfer unit, the heat element having a flat interface surface to be heated or cooled, the heat transfer unit comprising: a. An inlet channel for supplying cooling fluid to the heat transfer unit. b. An outlet channel for transferring cooling fluid out of the heat transfer unit. c. A first exit distribution channel, which is connected to the exit channel. d. A second outlet distribution channel, which is connected to the outlet channel and configured to be parallel to the first outlet distribution channel. e. A first inlet distribution channel, which is connected to the inlet channel and disposed between the first outlet distribution channel and the second outlet distribution channel in a manner parallel to the first outlet distribution channel and the second outlet distribution channel, such that the first inlet distribution channel is adjacent to both the first outlet distribution channel and the second outlet distribution channel. f. A barrier element, wherein when the heat element is mounted on the heat transfer unit, the barrier element is disposed between the heat element located on one side and the first inlet distribution channel, the first outlet distribution channel, and the second outlet distribution channel located on the other side. The barrier element has a flat, outward-facing surface that, when the heat element is mounted on the heat transfer unit, is parallel to the flat interface surface of the heat element and offset relative to the flat interface surface by a distance greater than 0.1 mm and less than 3 mm. g. At least one first inlet opening, said at least one first inlet opening being associated with a first inlet distribution channel, said at least one first inlet opening passing through the barrier element, thereby allowing the flat, outward-facing surface to be in fluid communication with the first inlet distribution channel via said at least one first inlet opening. h. At least one first outlet opening, said at least one first outlet opening being associated with a first outlet distribution channel, said at least one first outlet opening passing through the barrier element such that the flat, outward-facing surface is in fluid communication with the first outlet distribution channel, and i. At least one second outlet opening, said at least one second outlet opening being associated with a second outlet distribution channel, said at least one second outlet opening passing through the barrier element such that the flat, outward-facing surface is in fluid communication with the second outlet distribution channel, and wherein j. The total area of ​​at least one first inlet opening associated with the first inlet distribution channel is less than the total area of ​​at least one first outlet opening associated with the first outlet distribution channel.

2. The heat transfer unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The barrier element is a plate element, and the flat, outward-facing surface is the outward-facing surface of the plate element.

3. The heat transfer unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The heat transfer unit includes a manifold element, and the first inlet distribution channel, the first outlet distribution channel, and the second outlet distribution channel are all parts of the manifold element.

4. The heat transfer unit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The barrier element is a separate element from the manifold element.

5. The heat transfer unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The at least one first inlet opening associated with the first inlet distribution channel is configured as an elongated hole.

6. The heat transfer unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The at least one first inlet opening associated with the first inlet allocation channel includes at least two first inlet openings.

7. The heat transfer unit according to claim 6, characterized in that, The at least two first inlet openings are arranged along a straight path.

8. The heat transfer unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The at least one first outlet opening associated with the first outlet distribution channel is configured as an oblong hole and / or the at least one second outlet opening associated with the second outlet distribution channel is configured as an oblong hole.

9. The heat transfer unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The at least one first outlet opening associated with the first outlet distribution channel is configured to be parallel to the at least one first inlet opening associated with the first inlet distribution channel.

10. The heat transfer unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The first outlet distribution channel and the second outlet distribution channel have the same cross-sectional area and / or the same length.

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