Power converter

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a power converter, and relates to the technical field of energy. Wherein the power converter is used for converting direct current from a photovoltaic module or an energy storage battery into alternating current, and the power converter comprises a shell, one or more power modules and a radiator; wherein the shell is used for accommodating the power module; the radiator comprises a substrate, one or more heat pipes and a plurality of radiating fins, one surface of the substrate is attached to the power module, the heat pipes are embedded in one surface of the substrate, the plurality of radiating fins are arranged on the other surface of the substrate, and one surface of the substrate and the other surface of the substrate are oppositely arranged along a first direction; the orthographic projection of the heat pipe on the surface, used for being attached to the power module, of the substrate is located on the outer side of the orthographic projection of the power module on the surface, and the heat conductivity of the substrate is smaller than that of the heat pipe. The radiator can be better utilized, and heat dissipation of the power module is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of energy technology, and in particular to a power converter. Background Art

[0002] With the development of the energy sector, electrical equipment such as inverters are widely used in various applications. These electrical equipment usually include power modules (or power devices). Power modules generate heat during operation, and heat sinks are needed to dissipate the heat and prevent damage due to overheating.

[0003] In related technologies, the power module directly contacts the heat sink, transferring heat from the power module to the heat sink, where it then exchanges heat with the air to dissipate heat. However, this approach leaves much of the heat sink area unused, resulting in significant functional waste and hindering the heat dissipation of the power module. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present application provides a power converter that can better utilize a heat sink and is beneficial to the heat dissipation of a power module.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] The present application provides a power converter, which is used to convert direct current from a photovoltaic module or an energy storage battery into alternating current. The power converter includes a shell, one or more power modules and a radiator; wherein the shell is used to accommodate the power module; the radiator includes a substrate, one or more heat pipes and multiple cooling fins, one side of the substrate is bonded to the power module, and a heat pipe is also embedded in one side of the substrate, and multiple cooling fins are set on the other side of the substrate. One side of the substrate and the other side of the substrate are arranged opposite to each other along a first direction, and the orthographic projection of the heat pipe on the surface of the substrate used to bond to the power module is located outside the orthographic projection of the power module on the surface, and the thermal conductivity of the substrate is less than the thermal conductivity of the heat pipe.

[0007] When the power converter is running, it can convert the direct current from the photovoltaic module or the energy storage battery into alternating current, and the power module generates heat. The heat on the power module will be transferred to the substrate, and then transferred from the substrate to the heat dissipation fins and the air for heat exchange. In addition, the heat pipe located on the substrate has a stronger thermal conductivity. The heat on the substrate can be transferred to other locations on the substrate through the heat pipe. For example, the heat pipe can transfer heat to the area of ​​the substrate located on the periphery or outside of the power module, and exchange heat with the air through the heat dissipation fins of the substrate in this area, thereby making full use of more areas on the radiator for heat dissipation, thereby achieving efficient heat dissipation of the power module. In addition, the power module and the heat pipe are staggered in the first direction and do not overlap. That is, the power module does not contact the heat pipe, which reduces the impact of the different thermal expansion coefficients of the heat pipe and the substrate on the installation of the power module.

[0008] In an optional embodiment, the power converter further includes a plurality of DC terminals, which are used to connect photovoltaic modules or energy storage batteries. The plurality of DC terminals are fixed and partially exposed from the shell, and the DC terminals and the power module are arranged along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction; the heat pipe includes a heat receiving portion and a heat transfer portion, the heat receiving portion does not exceed the edge of the power module along the third direction, and the heat transfer portion exceeds the edge of the power module along the third direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; along the second direction, the power module is located between the heat receiving portion and the DC terminals.

[0009] When the power converter is installed, the DC terminal can be located at the bottom of the shell. During natural heat dissipation, the heat will rise, and the heat of the power module will be concentrated in the area above itself. The area is provided with a heat receiving part. That is, more heat from the power module is collected in the heat receiving part, and then transferred from the heat receiving part to the heat transfer part. Since the heat transfer part protrudes from the edge of the power module, the heat on the heat transfer part can be transferred to the area of ​​the substrate located around the power module, so that more area on the radiator is utilized and the heat dissipation effect is better.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the power converter further includes a fan, and the fan and the power module are arranged along the second direction. Along the second direction, the power module is located between the air outlet of the fan and the heat receiving portion.

[0011] After the power converter is installed, the DC terminal can be located at the bottom of the housing, and the fan can be located below the power module. During operation of the power converter, the fan blows air toward the power module, and most of the heat on the power module is concentrated on the side of the power module facing away from the fan. This area is provided with a heat receiving portion. Under the action of the fan, more heat from the power module is blown to the heat receiving portion, and then transferred from the heat receiving portion to the heat transfer portion. Because the heat transfer portion protrudes from the edge of the power module, the heat on the heat transfer portion can be transferred to the side area of ​​the power module. In this way, more area on the radiator is utilized. The combination of fan cooling and natural heat dissipation, with fan cooling assisting natural heat dissipation, is conducive to enhancing the heat dissipation effect of the power module.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the power converter further includes a fan, and the fan and the power module are arranged along a third direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction; the power converter further includes a plurality of DC terminals, which are used to connect photovoltaic modules or energy storage batteries, and the DC terminals are fixed to and exposed from the shell, and the DC terminals and the power module are arranged along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction and the third direction; the heat pipe includes a heat receiving part and a heat transfer part, and the heat receiving part does not exceed the edge of the power module along the second direction, and the heat transfer part exceeds the edge of the power module along the second direction; along the third direction, the power module is located between the air outlet of the fan and the heat receiving part.

[0013] When the power converter is installed, the DC terminal can be located at the bottom of the shell, and the fan can be located on the side of the power module. The fan blows air toward the power module, so that most of the heat on the power module is concentrated on the side of the power module away from the fan. A heat receiving part is provided in this area. More heat from the power module is blown to the heat receiving part by the fan, and then transferred from the heat receiving part to the heat transfer part. Since the heat transfer part protrudes from the edge of the power module, the heat on the heat transfer part can be transferred to the area of ​​the substrate around the power module, so that more area on the radiator is utilized, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect of the power module.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the arrangement direction of the multiple heat dissipating fins is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the fan and the power module, and an air duct is formed between two adjacent heat dissipating fins. The air duct extends along the arrangement direction of the fan and the power module, and the air outlet of the fan faces at least one end of the air duct close to the fan.

[0015] When the fan blows air toward the heat sink fins, the air flows through the duct and across the fins, directing the air along the alignment of the fan and power modules. Since the heat sink is located on the side of the power module facing away from the fan, the heat is transferred to the heat sink in the direction of the wind flow, concentrating the heat there and transferring it outward. Furthermore, the duct's orientation, aligned with the wind direction, also facilitates air flow within the duct, reducing the possibility of the fins obstructing the air flow and ensuring proper fan cooling.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, the heat transfer portion of the heat pipe is bent toward the power module.

[0017] Since the heat transfer portion extends beyond the edge of the heat pipe and bends toward the power module, the heat on the heat pipe is conducted to the side of the power module, that is, the heat is directed to the area on the substrate that is difficult for heat to reach, making full use of the area of ​​the heat sink located on the side of the power module, so that more area on the heat sink can be used for heat dissipation, thereby improving the utilization rate and heat dissipation effect of the heat sink.

[0018] In an optional embodiment, the heat transfer part includes a first part and a second part, and the arrangement direction of the first part and the second part is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the heat receiving part and the power module. Along the arrangement direction of the first part and the second part, the first part and the second part respectively exceed the edges of different sides of the power module.

[0019] Through the above design, the heat on the heat pipe is conducted to both sides of the power module, and the heat is guided to more areas of the substrate through the heat pipe, making full use of the area of ​​the radiator on both sides of the power module, further increasing the utilized area of ​​the radiator and further improving the heat dissipation effect.

[0020] In an optional embodiment, multiple power modules are provided, and the multiple power modules include a DC transformer module and an inverter module. The DC transformer module is used to convert the DC power of the photovoltaic component or the energy storage battery into voltage, and the inverter module is used to convert the DC power output by the DC transformer module into AC power. The inverter module, the heat pipe, and the DC transformer module are arranged in sequence along the second direction. Along the second direction, the DC transformer module is located between the inverter module and the DC terminal. Along the second direction, the distance between the heat pipe located between the inverter module and the DC transformer module and the inverter module is less than the distance between the heat pipe located between the inverter module and the DC transformer module and the DC transformer module.

[0021] When heat from the DC transformer module is transferred along the second direction, it can be transferred to the heat receiving portion located between the DC transformer module and the inverter module. Because the heat pipe between the inverter module and the DC transformer module is closer to the inverter module, some of the inverter module's heat will also be transferred to the heat receiving portion. While assisting in dissipating heat from the DC transformer module, the heat pipe also dissipates heat for the inverter module, allowing for better heat dissipation from the higher-temperature inverter module.

[0022] In an optional implementation, the heat transfer portion of the heat pipe located between the inverter module and the DC transformer module is bent toward the DC transformer module.

[0023] The heat on the heat pipe can be conducted to the side of the DC transformer module, making full use of the area of ​​the radiator located on the side of the DC transformer module, so that more area of ​​the radiator can be used for heat dissipation, which not only improves the utilization rate of the radiator, but also helps to improve the heat dissipation effect of the DC transformer module.

[0024] In an optional embodiment, a surface of the substrate for attaching to the power module is provided with a groove, the groove is located at the periphery of the power module, and the heat pipe is arranged in the groove.

[0025] By providing a groove, the heat pipe is embedded in the substrate, and the groove is located at the periphery of the power module. In this way, the heat pipe in the groove is also located at the periphery of the power module, so that the power module and the heat pipe do not overlap in the first direction. That is, the power module will not contact the heat pipe, reducing the impact of the different thermal expansion coefficients of the heat pipe and the substrate on the installation of the power module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a power converter provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of a circuit board and a power module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a radiator provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a power converter provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of a heat sink and a power module in the related technology of this application;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of another heat sink and power module in the related art of this application;

[0032] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the positional relationship between a power module and a heat pipe provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the cooperation between a power module and a heat sink provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of another power module and heat sink provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the cooperation between another power module and a heat sink provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 11 A schematic structural diagram of a DC terminal provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the distance between a heat pipe and a power module and a DC terminal provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 13 A schematic structural diagram of an inverter module and a DC transformer module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 14 A schematic structural diagram of a fan provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the distance between a heat pipe and a power module and a fan provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 16 A schematic structural diagram of another fan provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the present application showing the distance between a heat pipe and a power module and a fan;

[0043] Figure 18 A schematic diagram of the positional relationship between another power module and a heat pipe provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 19 A schematic diagram of the positional relationship between another power module and heat pipe provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0045] Reference numerals:

[0046] 100-power converter; 1-housing; 11-opening; 2-heat sink; 21-substrate; 211-groove; 212-surface; 22-heat pipe; 22a-first heat pipe; 22b-second heat pipe; 22c-third heat pipe; 221-heat receiving part; 222-heat transfer part; 2221-first part; 2222-second part; 23-heat sink fin; 231-air duct; 3-circuit board; 4-power module; 4a-first power module; 4b-second power module; 4c-third power module; 41-inverter module; 42-DC transformer module; 5-DC terminal; 6-fan; 7-thermal pad. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments.

[0048] The physical structures such as components and assemblies of the embodiments of the present application are represented by guide lines; hollow structures such as openings, holes, spaces, and cavities are represented by guide lines with hollow arrows; and dimensions and directions are represented by guide lines with solid arrows.

[0049] An embodiment of the present application provides a power converter 100, such as a photovoltaic inverter, wherein the power converter 100 is used to convert direct current (DC) power from a photovoltaic module into alternating current (AC). In other examples, the power converter 100 can also be used to convert DC power from an energy storage battery (or energy storage box) into AC power. Figure 1 The structure of a power converter 100 is shown as an example. Figure 1 The power converter 100 includes a housing 1 and a heat sink 2, wherein the heat sink 2 can be fixed outside the housing 1. In other examples, the heat sink 2 can be covered with a protective cover with heat dissipation holes. In other examples, the heat sink 2 can also be disposed within the housing 1, in which case the housing 1 is provided with a plurality of heat dissipation holes.

[0050] In addition, the power converter 100 further includes a circuit board 3 (printed circuit board, PCB) and one or more power modules 4 (or power devices). Figure 2 The structure of a power module 4 is shown as an example, wherein the power module 4 may be an inverter module 41 with an inverter circuit provided therein, or a DC transformer module 42 with a boost circuit or a buck circuit provided therein, or other power devices that generate a lot of heat and have certain functions. Figure 2 A plurality of power modules 4 are provided, and the plurality of power modules 4 are all disposed on the circuit board 3. The housing 1 is used to accommodate the circuit board 3 and the plurality of power modules 4. In addition, an opening 11 is provided on the housing 1, and the plurality of power modules 4 are disposed at the opening 11 so that the heat sink 2 can dissipate heat from the power modules 4.

[0051] in, Figure 3 The structure of a radiator 2 is shown as an example. Figure 3 The radiator 2 includes a substrate 21 and a plurality of heat dissipation fins 23. The substrate 21 can be an aluminum heat conducting plate, or a plate-shaped or disk-shaped structure made of other heat conducting materials. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a power converter 100 is shown as an example, aiming to reflect the installation position of the heat sink 2. The substrate 21 includes two surfaces arranged opposite to each other along a first direction. One surface of the substrate 21 is in contact with the power module 4, and the other surface of the substrate 21 is provided with multiple heat dissipation fins 23.

[0052] exist Figure 4In the example shown, the power module 4 can be bonded to the side of the substrate 21 facing away from the plurality of heat dissipation fins 23 through the opening 11. It should be noted that in some examples, to better bond the substrate 21 and the power module 4, thermally conductive adhesive can be provided between the substrate 21 and the power module 4. This situation also refers to bonding one side of the substrate 21 to the power module 4.

[0053] The heat sink 2 also includes one or more heat pipes 22. Figure 3 In the illustrated example, a plurality of heat pipes 22 are provided, and the plurality of heat pipes 22 are embedded in a surface of the substrate 21 that is in contact with the power module 4. For example, a groove 211 is provided on the substrate 21, and the heat pipes 22 are disposed within the groove 211. The thermal conductivity of the substrate 21 is lower than that of the heat pipes 22. For example, the substrate 21 is an aluminum plate, and the heat pipes 22 are copper pipes. In some examples, channels may be formed within the heat pipes 22, and the channels may be filled with a thermally conductive fluid (for example, a thermally conductive medium added to water).

[0054] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 When the power converter 100 is operating, the power module 4 generates heat. This heat is transferred from the power module 4 to the substrate 21, and then from the substrate 21 to the heat dissipation fins 23 for heat exchange with the air. Furthermore, the heat pipes 22 located on the substrate 21 have a stronger thermal conductivity. Heat from the substrate 21 can be transferred to other locations on the substrate 21 through the heat pipes 22. For example, the heat pipes 22 can transfer heat to an area of ​​the substrate 21 located outside or around the power module 4, and heat is exchanged with the air through the heat dissipation fins 23 located in this area of ​​the substrate 21. This fully utilizes more area on the radiator 2, thereby achieving efficient heat dissipation of the power module 4.

[0055] In the related art, the power module 4 and the heat pipe 22 are arranged to overlap. Figure 5 The structure of a heat sink 2 and a power module 4 in the related art is shown as an example. Figure 5 When the power module 4 is mounted on the substrate 21, the orthographic projection of the power module 4 on the surface of the substrate 21 coincides with the orthographic projection of the heat pipe 22 on the surface of the substrate 21. In other words, the power module 4 and the heat pipe 22 overlap in the first direction and are in contact with each other. This allows some of the heat generated by the power module 4 to be exchanged with the air through the substrate 21 and the heat sink fins 23. Other heat is conducted to the cooler areas of the substrate 21 by utilizing the high thermal conductivity of the heat pipe 22, ultimately being exchanged between the substrate 21 and the heat sink fins 23 in the cooler areas.

[0056] However, the materials of the substrate 21 and the heat pipe 22 are generally different, and their linear thermal expansion coefficients are also different. Using the above-mentioned related technology solution, when the power module 4 is subjected to long-term heat dissipation, the substrate 21 and the heat pipe 22, which are attached to the power module 4, will cause different volume changes after repeated expansion and contraction. This will eventually lead to poor contact between the heat pipe 22 and the power module 4, resulting in poor heat conduction in the portion of the power module 4 facing the heat pipe 22. This will also reduce the heat dissipation of the power module 4 by the radiator 2, posing a risk of overheating and damage to the power module 4, and affecting the reliability of the device.

[0057] Figure 6 The structure of another heat sink 2 and power module 4 in the related art is shown as an example ( Figure 6 is a sectional view), refer to Figure 6 In the case where the power module 4 and the heat pipe 22 overlap, a thermal pad 7 is placed between the power module 4 and the substrate 21. The thermal pad 7 separates the heat pipe 22 from the power module 4. The thermal pad 7 can absorb the volume change difference between the substrate 21 and the heat pipe 22 caused by the different thermal expansion coefficients, thereby ensuring that the power module 4 always has reliable contact with the substrate 21 and the heat pipe 22. However, this method requires that the heat from the power module 4 pass through an additional layer of material during the process of being transferred to the substrate 21 and the heat pipe 22, resulting in a poorer overall heat dissipation effect. Ultimately, more heat dissipation measures are required to reduce the operating temperature of the power module 4, increasing heat dissipation costs.

[0058] In the embodiment provided in this application, the heat pipe 22 does not contact the power module 4. Figure 7 The exemplary embodiment shows a matching position of a power module 4 and a heat pipe 22, which is intended to reflect the matching relationship and position relationship between one heat pipe 22 (for example, the first heat pipe 22a) and the corresponding power module 4 (for example, the first power module 4a). Figure 7 The substrate 21 includes a surface 212 facing the power module 4 (the surface 212 is used to attach to the power module 4), and the orthographic projection of the first heat pipe 22a on the plane where the surface 212 is located is located outside the orthographic projection of the first power module 4a on the plane where the surface 212 is located. In other words, the first heat pipe 22a and the first power module 4a do not overlap in the first direction, nor do they contact each other, thereby reducing the impact of the different thermal expansion coefficients of the heat pipe 22 and the substrate 21 on the installation of the power module 4. It will be understood that the orthographic projections of the heat pipe 22 and the power module 4 on the surface 212 refer to the orthographic projections of the heat pipe 22 and the power module 4 on the plane where the surface 212 is located.

[0059] In the example where the substrate 21 is provided with a groove 211, the groove 211 is located at the periphery (or the outside, the periphery, including surrounding and not surrounding) of the power module 4. In this way, the heat pipe 22 (for example, the first heat pipe 22a) embedded in the groove 211 is also located at the periphery of the power module 4 (for example, the first power module 4a), so that the power module 4 and the heat pipe 22 do not overlap in the first direction, that is, the two are staggered in the first direction.

[0060] In an example where a plurality of power modules 4 are provided, for example, the number of power modules 4 and the number of heat pipes 22 may be the same, each power module 4 corresponds to one heat pipe 22, and each power module 4 and the corresponding heat pipe 22 may adopt Figure 7 In a coordinated way, Figure 8 The cooperation between the heat sink 2 and the power module 4 is shown as an example.

[0061] For another example, the number of power modules 4 is different from the number of heat pipes 22, at least one power module 4 corresponds to one heat pipe 22, and the power module 4 corresponding to the heat pipe 22 and the corresponding heat pipe 22 can adopt Figure 7 In a coordinated way, Figure 9 The cooperation between the heat sink 2 and the power module 4 is shown as an example.

[0062] For another example, the number of power modules 4 is different from the number of heat pipes 22, and multiple power modules 4 share one heat pipe 22 (for example, the second heat pipe 22b), that is, one heat pipe 22 (the second heat pipe 22b) can transfer heat from multiple power modules 4. Figure 10 The diagram illustrates the cooperation between the heat sink 2 and the power modules 4. The three power modules 4 in the lower row transfer heat through the same heat pipe 22 (the second heat pipe 22b). It can also be understood that while the second heat pipe 22b corresponds to one power module 4 (e.g., the second power module 4b), it can also dissipate heat for the remaining power modules 4 (e.g., the other power modules 4 on both sides of the second power module 4b).

[0063] The position between the heat pipe 22 and the power module 4 can be designed in any suitable form, and the positional relationship between the two can also be referenced by other structures of the power converter 100, for example, the DC terminal 5. In some examples, in order to facilitate external wiring, the power converter 100 further includes multiple DC terminals 5. Figure 11 The structure of multiple DC terminals 5 is shown as an example. Figure 11The internal structure of a power converter 100 is shown, and the circuit board 3 is hidden to expose the heat pipe 22 and the power module 4. Multiple DC terminals 5 are used to connect to the connectors of photovoltaic modules or energy storage batteries. The multiple DC terminals 5 are fixed to the housing 1 and exposed from the housing 1. The DC terminals 5 and the power module 4 are arranged along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0064] Regarding the positional relationship between the heat pipe 22 and the power module 4, in some examples, refer to Figure 11 The heat pipe 22 includes a heat receiving portion 221 and a heat transfer portion 222. The heat receiving portion 221 does not extend beyond the edge of the power module 4 along the third direction, and the heat transfer portion 222 extends beyond the edge of the power module 4 along the third direction. The third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. Taking the first heat pipe 22a and the first power module 4a as an example, Figure 11 The portion of the middle heat pipe 22 located within the dotted frame K2 is the heat receiving portion 221 of the first heat pipe 22a. Figure 11 The portion of the middle heat pipe 22 outside the dotted frame K2 is the heat transfer portion 222 of the first heat pipe 22 a .

[0065] exist Figure 11 In the example shown, along the second direction, the power module 4 is located between the heat receiving portion 221 of the corresponding heat pipe 22 and the DC terminal 5 (taking the first heat pipe 22a and the first power module 4a as an example), that is, the distance between the heat receiving portion 221 of each heat pipe 22 and the DC terminal 5 is greater than the distance between the corresponding power module 4 and the DC terminal 5, and the heat receiving portion 221 is located on the side of the power module 4 away from the DC terminal 5.

[0066] Figure 12 An example is shown in Figure 11 In the example, the distance between the heat pipe 22 and the power module 4 and the DC terminal 5 can be Figure 12 understood as Figure 11 The DC terminal 5 used as a distance reference can be any suitable DC terminal 5. Taking the first heat pipe 22a and the first power module 4a as an example, the distance between the heat receiving portion 221 of the first heat pipe 22a and the DC terminal 5 can be the minimum distance between the edge of the heat receiving portion 221 of the first heat pipe 22a facing the DC terminal 5 and the end of the DC terminal 5 close to the heat receiving portion 221 of the first heat pipe 22a, for example, Figure 12 The middle distance L1 refers to the distance between the heat receiving portion 221 of the first heat pipe 22a and the DC terminal 5. The distance between the first power module 4a and the DC terminal 5 can be the minimum distance between the edge of the first power module 4a facing the DC terminal 5 and the end of the DC terminal 5 close to the first power module 4a, for example, Figure 12 The middle distance L2 refers to the distance between the first power module 4 a and the DC terminal 5 , and L1 is greater than L2 .

[0067] Figure 11 and Figure 12 The heat sink 2 can be Figure 8 Radiator 2 in Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the example shown, the positional relationship between the remaining power modules 4 and the corresponding heat pipes 22 (the heat receiving portion 221 along the third direction does not exceed the edge of the power module 4, the heat transfer portion 222 along the third direction exceeds the edge of the power module 4, and the distance between the heat receiving portion 221 and the DC terminal 5 is greater than the distance between the power module 4 and the DC terminal 5) can be referred to. Figure 12 The positional relationship between the first heat pipe 22a and the first power module 4a.

[0068] In addition, using e.g. Figure 9 、 Figure 10 The positional relationship between the heat sink 2, the power module 4 and the corresponding heat pipe 22 in the example can also be referred to Figure 12 The positional relationship between the first heat pipe 22a and the first power module 4a. Figure 9 Radiator 2 in Figure 8 The heat sink 2 is similar to that in FIG, except for the number of heat pipes 22, so it will not be described in detail. Figure 10 Radiator 2 in the application Figure 11 and Figure 12 When the housing 1 is shown (not shown in the drawings), the second heat pipe 22b and the second power module 4b are taken as an example, wherein the second power module 4b is any one of the multiple power modules 4 that share the second heat pipe 22b. The second heat pipe 22b includes a heat receiving portion 221 and a heat transfer portion 222. Figure 10 The portion of the second heat pipe 22b located within the dotted frame K1 is the heat receiving portion 221 of the second heat pipe 22b. Figure 10 The portion of the second heat pipe 22b outside the dashed box K1 is the heat transfer portion 222 of the second heat pipe 22b. Along the third direction, the heat receiving portion 221 of the second heat pipe 22b does not extend beyond the edge of the second power module 4b. Along the third direction, the heat transfer portion 222 of the second heat pipe 22b extends beyond the edge of the second power module 4b. Along the second direction, the distance between the heat receiving portion 221 of the second heat pipe 22b and the DC terminal 5 is greater than the distance between the second power module 4b and the DC terminal 5. In other words, the heat receiving portion 221 of the second heat pipe 22b is located on the side of the second power module 4b facing away from the DC terminal 5.

[0069] After the power converter 100 is installed, the DC terminal 5 can be located at the bottom of the housing 1, which is convenient for on-site installation and wiring, and facilitates better connection of external lines with the DC terminal 5. In addition, the DC terminal 5 is arranged at the bottom of the housing 1 to play a waterproof role. During natural heat dissipation, the heat will rise, and the heat of the power module 4 will be concentrated in the area above itself. The area is provided with the heat receiving portion 221 of the heat pipe 22 corresponding to the power module 4. That is, more heat from the power module 4 will be collected in the heat receiving portion 221, and then transferred from the heat receiving portion 221 to the heat transfer portion 222. Since the heat transfer portion 222 of each heat pipe 22 protrudes from the edge of the corresponding power module 4, the heat on the heat transfer portion 222 can be transferred to the area around the power module 4, so that more area on the radiator 2 is utilized and the heat dissipation effect is better.

[0070] In some examples, the heat transfer portion 222 of the heat pipe 22 is bent toward the power module 4, for example, referring to Figure 11 and Figure 12 The heat transfer portion 222 of the first heat pipe 22a bends toward the side where the first power module 4a is located. Because the heat transfer portion 222 extends beyond the edge of the heat pipe 22 and bends toward the power module 4, the heat from the heat pipe 22 is transferred to the side of the corresponding power module 4. In other words, the heat is directed to the cooler area of ​​the substrate 21, fully utilizing the area of ​​the heat sink 2 located to the side of the power module 4. This allows more area of ​​the heat sink 2 to be used for heat dissipation, thereby improving the utilization rate and heat dissipation effect of the heat sink 2.

[0071] In addition, in some examples, the heat transfer portion 222 of the heat pipe 22 may include a first portion 2221 and a second portion 2222. The arrangement direction of the first portion 2221 and the second portion 2222 is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the heat receiving portion 221 and the corresponding power module 4. Along the arrangement direction of the first portion 2221 and the second portion 2222, the first portion 2221 and the second portion 2222 respectively exceed the edges of both sides of the power module 4. Figure 11 In the example shown, taking the first power module 4a and the first heat pipe 22a as an example, the first portion 2221 and the second portion 2222 of the first heat pipe 22a respectively extend beyond different sides of the first power module 4a in the third direction, and the first portion 2221 and the second portion 2222 of the first heat pipe 22a are both bent toward the first power module 4a.

[0072] In some examples, a plurality of power modules 4 are provided, and the plurality of power modules 4 include an inverter module 41 (a type of power module 4 ) and a DC transformer module 42 (a type of power module 4 ). Figure 13 The structure of the inverter module 41 and the DC transformer module 42 is shown as an example. It can be understood that: Figure 13This is only a portion of the power converter 100. The DC transformer module 42 is used to convert the DC power from the photovoltaic module or energy storage battery into voltage, and the inverter module 41 is used to convert the DC power output by the DC transformer module 42 into AC power. Furthermore, multiple heat pipes 22 are provided, and one of the multiple heat pipes 22 corresponds to the inverter module 41, such as the first heat pipe 22a; another heat pipe 22 corresponds to the DC transformer module 42, such as the third heat pipe 22c.

[0073] Will Figure 13 The inverter module 41 and the DC transformer module 42 are used in Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the example, that is, you can Figure 12 The two power modules 4 arranged along the second direction are regarded as the inverter module 41 and the DC transformer module 42. For example, Figure 12 The first power module 4a in the embodiment may be an inverter module 41, Figure 12 The third power module 4c may be a DC transformer module 42. The inverter module 41, the third heat pipe 22c and the DC transformer module 42 are sequentially arranged along the second direction, that is, the third heat pipe 22c is located between the inverter module 41 and the DC transformer module 42 in the second direction.

[0074] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 , along the second direction, the distance between the inverter module 41 (first power module 4a) and the DC terminal 5 is greater than the distance between the DC transformer module 42 (third power module 4c) and the DC terminal 5. That is, along the second direction, the DC transformer module 42 is located between the inverter module 41 and the DC terminal 5. The distance between the inverter module 41 (first power module 4a) and the DC terminal 5 can be the minimum distance between the edge of the inverter module 41 facing the DC terminal 5 and the end of the DC terminal 5 close to the inverter module 41. For example, Figure 12 The middle distance L2 refers to the distance between the inverter module 41 (first power module 4a) and the DC terminal 5. The distance between the DC transformer module 42 (third power module 4c) and the DC terminal 5 can be the minimum distance between the edge of the DC transformer module 42 facing the DC terminal 5 and the end of the DC terminal 5 close to the DC transformer module 42, for example, Figure 12 The middle distance L3 refers to the distance between the DC transformer module 42 (the third power module 4c) and the DC terminal 5, with L2 being greater than L3. It is understood that the inverter module 41 can be disposed on the side of the DC transformer module 42 facing away from the DC terminal 5. In other examples (not shown in the drawings), the DC transformer module 42 can be disposed on the side of the inverter module 41 facing away from the DC terminal 5.

[0075] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13Along the second direction, the distance between the heat pipe 22 (the third heat pipe 22 c) located between the inverter module 41 and the DC transformer module 42 and the inverter module 41 (the first power module 4 a) is smaller than the distance between the heat pipe 22 (the third heat pipe 22 c) located between the inverter module 41 and the DC transformer module 42 and the DC transformer module 42 (the third power module 4 c).

[0076] The distance between the inverter module 41 and the third heat pipe 22c in the second direction may be the minimum distance between the edge of the inverter module 41 (first power module 4a) facing the third heat pipe 22c and the edge of the third heat pipe 22c facing the inverter module 41, for example, Figure 12 The middle distance L4 refers to the distance between the inverter module 41 (first power module 4a) and the third heat pipe 22c in the second direction. The distance between the DC transformer module 42 (third power module 4c) and the third heat pipe 22c in the second direction can be the minimum distance between the edge of the DC transformer module 42 facing the third heat pipe 22c and the edge of the third heat pipe 22c facing the DC transformer module 42, for example, Figure 12 The middle distance L5 refers to the distance between the DC transformer module 42 (the third power module 4c) and the third heat pipe 22c in the second direction. It is not difficult to see that L5 is greater than L4.

[0077] In addition, refer to Figures 11 to 13 ,Will Figure 13 The inverter module 41 and the DC transformer module 42 are used in Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the example, the heat pipe 22 (for example, the first heat pipe 22a) corresponding to the inverter module 41 includes a heat receiving portion 221 and a heat transfer portion 222. The heat receiving portion 221 of the first heat pipe 22a does not extend beyond the edge of the inverter module 41 along the third direction, and the heat transfer portion 222 of the first heat pipe 22a extends beyond the edge of the inverter module 41 along the third direction. Figure 13 The portion of the first heat pipe 22a located within the dotted frame K3 is the heat receiving portion 221 of the first heat pipe 22a. Figure 13 The portion of the middle heat pipe 22 outside the dotted box K3 is the heat transfer portion 222 of the first heat pipe 22a. Similarly, the heat pipe 22 corresponding to the DC transformer module 42 (for example, the third heat pipe 22c) also includes a heat receiving portion 221 and a heat transfer portion 222. Along the third direction, the heat receiving portion 221 of the third heat pipe 22c does not extend beyond the edge of the DC transformer module 42, while along the third direction, the heat transfer portion 222 of the third heat pipe 22c extends beyond the edge of the DC transformer module 42. Figure 13 The portion of the first heat pipe 22a located within the dotted frame K4 is the heat receiving portion 221 of the first heat pipe 22a. Figure 13 The portion of the middle heat pipe 22 outside the dotted frame K4 is the heat transfer portion 222 of the third heat pipe 22 c.

[0078] When the heat of the DC transformer module 42 is transferred along the second direction, the heat can be transferred to the heat receiving part 221 of the third heat pipe 22c. Since the third heat pipe 22c between the inverter module 41 and the DC transformer module 42 is closer to the inverter module 41, part of the heat of the inverter module 41 will also be transferred to the heat receiving part 221 of the third heat pipe 22c. While the third heat pipe 22c assists the DC transformer module 42 in dissipating heat, it can also assist the inverter module 41 in dissipating heat, which is beneficial to the heat dissipation of the inverter module 41 which generates more serious heat (for example, in some cases, when the power converter 100 is running, the heat of the inverter module 41 is greater than the heat of the DC transformer module 42).

[0079] In the example where the heat pipe 22 is provided between the inverter module 41 and the DC transformer module 42, the heat transfer portion 222 of the heat pipe 22 between the inverter module 41 and the DC transformer module 42 is bent toward the DC transformer module 42. Figure 13 Taking the third heat pipe 22c in the example, the heat transfer portion 222 of the third heat pipe 22c bends toward the DC transformer module 42. Furthermore, in some examples, the heat transfer portion 222 of the third heat pipe 22c may include a first portion 2221 and a second portion 2222. The arrangement direction of the first portion 2221 and the second portion 2222 is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the heat receiving portion 221 of the third heat pipe 22c and the DC transformer module 42. Along the arrangement direction of the first portion 2221 and the second portion 2222 of the DC transformer module 42, the first portion 2221 and the second portion 2222 respectively extend beyond the edges of both sides of the DC transformer module 42. Furthermore, both the first portion 2221 and the second portion 2222 of the third heat pipe 22c bend toward the DC transformer module 42.

[0080] In some examples, the power converter 100 further includes a fan 6. Figure 14 The structure of a fan 6 is exemplarily shown. The fan 6 is used to blow air toward the radiator 2 to improve the heat dissipation capacity. Figure 15 An example is shown Figure 14 In the example, the distance between the heat pipe 22 and the power module 4 and the fan 6 is such that the fan 6 and the power module 4 are arranged along the second direction. Along the second direction, the power module 4 is located between the air outlet of the fan 6 and the heat receiving portion 221. That is, the distance between the air outlet of the fan 6 and the power module 4 is smaller than the distance between the air outlet of the fan 6 and the heat receiving portion 221 of the heat pipe 22. The air outlet of the fan 6 can be the end of the fan 6 facing the power module 4. Taking the first heat pipe 22a and the first power module 4a as an example, Figure 15 The distance L6 in the figure refers to the distance between the air outlet of the fan 6 and the heat receiving portion 221 of the first heat pipe 22a in the second direction. Figure 15 The distance L7 in FIG. 5 refers to the distance between the air outlet of the fan 6 and the first power module 4 a in the second direction.

[0081] That is, after the power converter 100 is installed, the DC terminal 5 can be located at the bottom of the housing 1, and the fan 6 can be located below the power module 4. During the operation of the power converter 100, the fan 6 can be made to blow air toward the power module 4, so that most of the heat on the power module 4 is concentrated on the side of the power module 4 away from the fan 6. A heat receiving portion 221 is provided in this area. Under the action of the fan 6, more heat from the power module 4 is blown to the heat receiving portion 221, and then transferred from the heat receiving portion 221 to the heat transfer portion 222. The heat on the heat transfer portion 222 can be transferred to the side area of ​​the power module 4, so that more area on the radiator 2 is utilized and the heat dissipation effect is better. By combining fan heat dissipation with natural heat dissipation, a large amount of heat from the power module 4 is collected in the heat receiving portion 221. Natural heat dissipation is assisted by fan heat dissipation, which is conducive to increasing the heat dissipation effect of the power module 4.

[0082] You can Figure 14 and Figure 15 The examples shown are understood to be Figure 11 and Figure 12 The illustrated example includes a fan 6. In this example, the heat dissipation fins 23 may be arranged perpendicularly to the arrangement of the fan 6 and the power module 4. An air duct 231 is formed between two adjacent heat dissipation fins 23. The air duct 231 extends along the arrangement of the fan 6 and the power module 4. The air outlet of the fan 6 is oriented toward one end of at least one of the air ducts 231, which is close to the fan 6.

[0083] For example, in Figure 14 and Figure 15 In the illustrated example, the air duct 231 extends along the second direction. When the fan 6 blows air toward the heat sink fins 23, the air flows through the air duct 231 and across the heat sink fins 23, causing the air blown by the fan 6 to flow along the alignment direction of the fan 6 and the power module 4. Since the heat receiving portion 221 is located on the side of the power module 4 facing away from the fan 6, heat is transferred to the heat receiving portion 221 along the direction of the wind flow, which facilitates heat concentration and transfer within the heat receiving portion 221. Furthermore, the fact that the air duct 231 extends in the same direction as the wind also facilitates air flow within the air duct 231, reducing the possibility of the heat sink fins 23 obstructing the air flow and enabling normal fan heat dissipation.

[0084] Regarding the positional relationship between the heat pipe 22 and the power module 4, in other examples, the fan 6 can also be used as a reference. Figure 16 Another structure of the fan 6 is shown as an example, and the fan 6 blows air toward the radiator 2 . Figure 17 An example is shown Figure 16 In the example, the distance between the heat pipe 22 and the power module 4 and the fan 6 is as follows: Figure 16 and Figure 17The fan 6 and the power module 4 are arranged along a third direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. The power converter 100 also includes a plurality of DC terminals 5, which are used to connect photovoltaic modules or energy storage batteries. The DC terminals 5 are fixed to the housing 1 and exposed from the housing 1. The DC terminals 5 and the power module 4 are arranged along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction and the third direction.

[0085] Reference Figure 17 The heat pipe 22 includes a heat receiving portion 221 and a heat transfer portion 222. Taking the first heat pipe 22a as an example, along the second direction, the heat receiving portion 221 of the first heat pipe 22a does not exceed the edge of the power module 4. Still along the second direction, the heat transfer portion 222 of the first heat pipe 22a exceeds the edge of the power module 4.

[0086] exist Figure 16 and Figure 17 In the example shown, along the third direction, the power module 4 is located between the air outlet of the fan 6 and the heat receiving portion 221, that is, the distance between the air outlet of the fan 6 and the power module 4 is smaller than the distance between the air outlet of the fan 6 and the heat receiving portion 221 of the heat pipe 22. Taking the first heat pipe 22a and the first power module 4a as an example, Figure 17 The middle distance L8 refers to the distance between the air outlet of the fan 6 and the heat receiving portion 221 of the first heat pipe 22a in the third direction. Figure 17 The middle distance L9 refers to the distance between the air outlet of the fan 6 and the first power module 4a in the third direction, and L8 is greater than L9.

[0087] Reference Figure 16 and Figure 17 The arrangement direction of the multiple heat dissipation fins 23 is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the fan 6 and the power module 4. The air duct 231 formed between two adjacent heat dissipation fins 23 extends along the arrangement direction of the fan 6 and the power module 4. That is, the air duct 231 extends along the third direction. When the fan 6 blows air toward the heat dissipation fins 23, the wind will flow through the heat dissipation fins 23 through the air duct 231, reducing the possibility of the heat dissipation fins 23 blocking the flow of wind, so that the fan 6 can normally assist in heat dissipation.

[0088] exist Figure 16 and Figure 17 In the illustrated example, the first power module 4 a may be an inverter module 41 , and the third power module 4 c may be a DC transformer module 42 .

[0089] exist Figure 16 and Figure 17In the illustrated example, the heat transfer portion 222 of the first heat pipe 22a is bent toward one side of the first power module 4a. Furthermore, the first portion 2221 and the second portion 2222 of the first heat pipe 22a extend beyond different sides of the first power module 4a in the second direction, and both the first portion 2221 and the second portion 2222 of the first heat pipe 22a are bent toward the first power module 4a.

[0090] The heat pipe 22 in this application can be a straight pipe bent into shape. In some other examples, the heat pipe 22 can also be a straight pipe without bending toward one side of the power module 4. For example, Figure 18 Another schematic diagram of the positions of the power module 4 and the heat pipe 22 is shown as an example. Figure 18 In the illustrated example, both ends of the heat pipe 22 extend beyond the edge of the power module 4 , but the heat pipe 22 does not bend toward the power module 4 .

[0091] In some other examples, one end of the heat pipe 22 is bent toward the power module 4 , for example, Figure 19 Another schematic diagram of the positions of the power module 4 and the heat pipe 22 is shown as an example. Figure 19 In the example shown, the heat transfer portion 222 of the heat pipe 22 is not divided into a first portion 2221 and a second portion 2222 , that is, the heat transfer portion 222 is located at one end of the heat receiving portion 221 and is bent toward the power module 4 .

[0092] In addition, the heat receiving part 221 and the heat transfer part 222 of this application are only used to divide different parts of the heat pipe 22 by different names. The specific positions of the heat receiving part 221 and the heat transfer part 222 need to be judged in combination with the limitations of this application. "High temperature" and "low temperature" cannot be regarded as restrictions on the structural temperature of this application.

[0093] In other examples, the power converter 100 includes only one power module 4, and a corresponding heat pipe 22 is provided on the side of the power module 4. In other examples, the power converter 100 includes multiple power modules 4, but the heat sink 2 includes only one heat pipe 22, the heat pipe 22 does not contact any power module 4, and the orthographic projection of the heat pipe 22 on the surface 212 is located outside the orthographic projection of each power module 4 on the surface 212. This application does not limit the number of power modules 4 and heat pipes 22, as long as there is one power module 4 and one heat pipe 22 that meet the conditions defined in this application.

[0094] In other examples, the heat pipe 22 may be serpentine or special-shaped, and the shape of the heat pipe 22 is not limited to the shape shown in the drawings of this application.

[0095] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A power converter, characterized in that: The power converter is used to convert direct current from a photovoltaic module or an energy storage battery into alternating current. The power converter includes a housing, one or more power modules, and a heat sink. The housing is used to accommodate the power module; The radiator includes a substrate, one or more heat pipes and a plurality of cooling fins. One side of the substrate is bonded to the power module, and the heat pipe is also embedded in one side of the substrate. The multiple cooling fins are arranged on the other side of the substrate. The one side of the substrate and the other side of the substrate are arranged opposite to each other along a first direction. The orthographic projection of the heat pipe on the surface of the substrate for bonding to the power module is located outside the orthographic projection of the power module on the surface. The thermal conductivity of the substrate is less than the thermal conductivity of the heat pipe.

2. The power converter according to claim 1, wherein: The power converter further includes a plurality of DC terminals, the plurality of DC terminals being used to connect to the photovoltaic module or the energy storage battery, the plurality of DC terminals being fixed and partially exposed from the housing, the DC terminals and the power module being arranged along a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction; The heat pipe includes a heat receiving portion and a heat transfer portion, wherein the heat receiving portion does not extend beyond the edge of the power module along a third direction, and the heat transfer portion extends beyond the edge of the power module along the third direction, and the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; Along the second direction, the power module is located between the heat receiving portion and the DC terminal.

3. The power converter according to claim 2, wherein: The power converter further includes a fan. The fan and the power module are arranged along the second direction. Along the second direction, the power module is located between the air outlet of the fan and the heat receiving portion.

4. The power converter according to claim 1, wherein: The power converter further includes a fan, wherein the fan and the power module are arranged along a third direction, and the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction; The power converter further includes a plurality of DC terminals, the plurality of DC terminals being used to connect to the photovoltaic module or the energy storage battery, the DC terminals being fixed to the housing and exposed from the housing, the DC terminals and the power module being arranged along a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction and the third direction; The heat pipe includes a heat receiving portion and a heat transfer portion, wherein the heat receiving portion does not extend beyond the edge of the power module along the second direction, and the heat transfer portion extends beyond the edge of the power module along the second direction; Along the third direction, the power module is located between the air outlet of the fan and the heat receiving portion.

5. The power converter according to any one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that: The arrangement direction of the multiple heat dissipation fins is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the fan and the power module. An air duct is formed between two adjacent heat dissipation fins. The air duct extends along the arrangement direction of the fan and the power module. The air outlet of the fan faces at least one end of the air duct close to the fan.

6. The power converter according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The heat transfer portion of the heat pipe is bent toward the power module.

7. The power converter according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that: The heat transfer portion includes a first portion and a second portion. The arrangement direction of the first portion and the second portion is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the heat receiving portion and the power module. Along the arrangement direction of the first portion and the second portion, the first portion and the second portion respectively extend beyond edges of different sides of the power module.

8. The power converter according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: There are multiple power modules, and the multiple power modules include a DC transformer module and an inverter module. The DC transformer module is used to convert the DC power of the photovoltaic component or the energy storage battery into voltage, and the inverter module is used to convert the DC power output by the DC transformer module into AC power. The inverter module, the heat pipe, and the DC transformer module are arranged in sequence along the second direction. Along the second direction, the DC transformer module is located between the inverter module and the DC terminal. Along the second direction, the distance between the heat pipe located between the inverter module and the DC transformer module and the inverter module is smaller than the distance between the heat pipe located between the inverter module and the DC transformer module and the DC transformer module.

9. The power converter according to claim 8, characterized in that A heat transfer portion of the heat pipe located between the inverter module and the DC transformer module is bent toward the DC transformer module.

10. The power converter according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: A surface of the substrate for adhering to the power module is provided with a groove, the groove is located at the periphery of the power module, and the heat pipe is arranged in the groove.

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