Heat dissipation structure and cooling method

Abstract

To provide a heat dissipation structure for achieving a high charging rate while effectively cooling a cable.SOLUTION: A heat dissipation structure includes: a cable jacket having a fluid passage extending along an axial direction of the cable jacket; a conductor body arranged in the cable jacket; and a deformable component which is adaptive to a temperature and is helical, which is arranged in the fluid passage and in which a two-phase flow and vortices occur in working fluid in the fluid passage by the deformable component, and is configured to cool a cable. A cooling method includes: a step of supplying working fluid to the fluid passage of the cable jacket; and a step of generating the two-phase flow and the vortices in the working fluid by the deformable component arranged in the fluid passage. The deformable component is adaptive to the temperature, is in a helical shape, and is configured to cool the cable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat dissipation structure and a cooling method configured to cool a cable.

Background Art

[0002] Due to the concept of environmental protection and the appeal, great attention has been focused on the power supply efficiency to large electronic devices. Taking land vehicles as an example, electric vehicles have become one of the important industries attracting market attention. Currently, electric vehicles are mainly equipped with rechargeable batteries. When the charge of the rechargeable battery runs out, the rechargeable battery is replaced or charged.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] In order to improve the charging rate of electric vehicles, the realization of rapid charging by a charging station that supplies a large current cable of 2000 amperes or more is progressing. However, due to considerations for safety, the temperature specifications of the cable during charging have been determined in various countries around the world. For example, in related specifications in Japan and the EU, it is required that the temperature of any region of the cable during charging be 40°C or less. Therefore, in this field, currently, measures that can achieve a high charging rate while effectively cooling the cable are required.

[0004] It should be noted that the present disclosure can be widely used in electric vehicles and is not limited to electric land vehicles.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One embodiment of the present disclosure discloses a heat dissipation structure configured to cool a cable including a cable jacket, a conductor, and a deformable component, the heat dissipation structure being temperature adaptable and helical in shape. The cable jacket has a fluid flow path extending along the axial direction of the cable jacket. The conductor is disposed in the cable jacket. The deformable component is disposed in the fluid flow path. The deformable component can generate a two-phase flow and vortices in the working fluid within the fluid flow path.

[0006] One embodiment of the present disclosure discloses a cooling method including supplying a working fluid to a fluid flow path of a cable jacket and generating a two-phase flow and vortices in the working fluid by a deformable component disposed in the fluid flow path, the deformable component being temperature adaptable and helical in shape.

[0007] The above description of the disclosure and the following detailed description are configured to illustrate and explain the principles of the present disclosure and to provide a further explanation of the claims of the present disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] The present disclosure will be better understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings shown hereinbelow.

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 7

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] The detailed features and advantages of the present disclosure are described in detail in the following detailed description, the content of which is sufficient for those skilled in the art to understand the technical content of the present disclosure and implement it as appropriate. According to the content disclosed in this specification, the claims and the drawings, those skilled in the art can easily understand the related purposes and advantages of the present disclosure. The following embodiments further explain the viewpoints of the present disclosure, but do not limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0011] Refer to FIG. 1, which is a schematic diagram of charging an electric vehicle 13 using a charging station 11. The charging station 11 is provided with a cable 12, and the electric vehicle 13 can be charged via the cable 12. For safety considerations, the temperature of the cable 12 during charging needs to be limited. Further, it is necessary to limit the temperature of the outer surface of the cable 12. It should be noted that the present disclosure can be widely used in electric vehicles and is not limited to electric land vehicles.

[0012] The present disclosure provides a heat dissipation structure 10 applicable to the cable 12 in FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the heat dissipation structure 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the deformable part 130 in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a front view of the deformable part 130 in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the heat dissipation structure 10 is configured to cool the cable 12 and includes a cable jacket 110, a conductor 120, and a deformable part 130.

[0013] The conductor 120 is disposed on the cable jacket 110. Further, the cable jacket 110 is made of an electrically insulating material, and the outer surface of the cable jacket 110 can be understood as the outer surface of the cable 12 shown in FIG. 1. The conductor 120 is disposed within the cable jacket 110. The cable jacket 110 and the conductor 120 may be coaxially disposed.

[0014] The cable jacket 110 has a fluid flow path 111 that extends along the axial direction A1 of the cable jacket 110. The fluid flow path 111 can allow a working fluid F to flow therein. The working fluid F is a fluid including, but not limited to, water, methanol, acetone, electronic fluorinated fluid, mineral oil, or a fluid containing nanoparticles. The working fluid F is configured to cool the cable jacket 110. In this embodiment, since the conductor 120 is disposed within the cable jacket 110 and is in fluid communication with the fluid flow path 111, the working fluid F can be in direct contact with the conductor 120. Therefore, the working fluid F must be non-conductive. For example, the working fluid F may be Milli-Q water containing nanosilicon particles.

[0015] The heat dissipation structure 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 is an example. In some other embodiments, the heat dissipation structure can further include an insulating layer housed within the cable jacket. The conductor is covered by the insulating layer, and the fluid flow path is formed by the insulating layer. In still some other embodiments, the heat dissipation structure may further include a waterproof jacket housed within the cable jacket. The conductor is disposed between the waterproof jacket and the cable jacket, and the fluid flow path is formed by the waterproof jacket.

[0016] The deformable component 130 is disposed within the fluid flow path 111. Further, the axial direction A2 of the deformable component 130 is substantially parallel to the axial direction A1 of the cable jacket 110. Furthermore, the deformable component 130 and the cable jacket 110 are coaxially disposed. The deformable component 130 may include a shape memory alloy. For example, the shape memory alloy may be selected from the group consisting of nickel-titanium alloy, manganese-silicon-iron alloy, zinc-copper-aluminum alloy, nickel-copper-aluminum alloy, nickel-titanium-iron alloy, and nickel-titanium-copper alloy.

[0017] In this embodiment, the deformable component 130 has a helical shape. Further, the deformable component 130 includes a plurality of rotating parts connected to each other, and these rotating parts are arranged along the axial direction A1 or A2. As shown in FIG. 3, the linear dimension T of each rotating part 131 can be in the range of 0.10 millimeter (mm) to 8.0 mm. In some other embodiments, the linear dimension T can be in the range of 0.10 mm to 5.0 mm. In still some other embodiments, the linear dimension T can be in the range of 0.10 mm to 2.50 mm.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the radial size R of each rotating part 131 can be in the range of 1.0 mm to 20.0 mm. In some other embodiments, the radial size R can be in the range of 1.0 mm to 10.0 mm.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in this embodiment, the axial distance D between two adjacent rotating parts can be in the range of 0.50 mm to 20.0 mm. In some other embodiments, the axial distance D can be in the range of 0.50 mm to 15.0 mm. In still some other embodiments, the axial distance D can be in the range of 0.50 mm to 10.0 mm.

[0020] In this embodiment, a plurality of rotating parts 131 included in the deformable component 130 arranged in the fluid flow path 111 can generate vortices in the working fluid F, thereby achieving the purpose of cooling. Regarding the size of each rotating part 131 of the deformable component 130, the wire diameter T, the axial size R, and the axial distance D between two adjacent rotating parts 131 can be designed individually according to actual requirements. Generally, when the wire diameter T is larger than 8.0 mm, the flow resistance increases, the flow of the working fluid F is disturbed, and the heat transfer efficiency decreases. When the wire diameter T is smaller than 0.10 mm, it is difficult to generate vortices.

[0021] Regarding the shape memory alloy included in the deformable component 130, when the shape memory alloy contains titanium, the proportion of titanium in the shape memory alloy may be 5.0% to 95.0%.

[0022] Regarding the shape memory alloy included in the deformable component 130, when the shape memory alloy contains nickel, the proportion of nickel in the shape memory alloy may be 10.0% to 90.0%.

[0023] Regarding the shape memory alloy included in the deformable component 130, when the shape memory alloy contains iron, the proportion of iron in the shape memory alloy may be 5.0% to 90.0%.

[0024] Regarding the shape memory alloy included in the deformable component 130, when the shape memory alloy contains manganese, the proportion of manganese in the shape memory alloy may be 5.0% to 85.0%.

[0025] Regarding the shape memory alloy included in the deformable component 130, when the shape memory alloy contains silicon, the proportion of silicon in the shape memory alloy may be 5.0% to 85.0%.

[0026] Regarding the shape memory alloy included in the deformable component 130, when the shape memory alloy contains copper, the proportion of copper in the shape memory alloy may be 10.0% to 70.0%.

[0027] Regarding the shape memory alloy included in the deformable component 130, when the shape memory alloy contains aluminum, the proportion of aluminum in the shape memory alloy may be 10.0% to 50.0%.

[0028] Regarding the shape memory alloy included in the deformable component 130, when the shape memory alloy contains zinc, the proportion of zinc in the shape memory alloy may be 5.0% to 50.0%.

[0029] According to one or more embodiments, the deformable component 130 can include any one of the following shape memory alloys A to Q.

[0030] TIFF2025106181000002.tif225170

[0031] The deformable component 130 enables the generation of two-phase flow and vortices in the working fluid F within the fluid flow path 111, thereby achieving the purpose of cooling. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the heat dissipation structure 10 of FIG. 2 at a first temperature, and FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the heat dissipation structure 10 of FIG. 2 at a second temperature. In this embodiment, the second temperature is higher than the first temperature. The first temperature ranges from 5.0 °C to 45.0 °C, and the second temperature is higher than 45.0 °C, but is not limited thereto.

[0032] In this embodiment, the deformable component 130 is temperature-adaptive. Further, the deformable component 130 can expand and contract along the axial direction A2 based on the temperature change, thereby changing the axial distance D between the two rotating parts 131. As shown in FIG. 5, when the working fluid F is at the first temperature (relatively low temperature), the axial distance of the deformable component 130 can have an original value d0, which can be understood as D = d0. As shown in FIG. 6, when the temperature of the working fluid F rises to the second temperature (relatively high temperature), the deformable component 130 contracts along the axial direction A2 in response to the temperature rise, thereby reducing the axial distance between the two rotating parts 131 to a value d' that can be understood as D = d' and d' < d0. Similarly, when the temperature of the working fluid F decreases, the deformable component 130 extends along the axial direction A2 in response to the temperature decrease, thereby increasing the axial distance D between the two rotating parts 131.

[0033] The surface of the deformable component 130 helps the liquid working fluid F to undergo a phase transition from liquid to gas, thereby forming a two-phase flow. In other words, the deformable component 130 reduces the boiling point of the working fluid F, enabling the working fluid F to vaporize at a relatively low temperature, thereby achieving the purpose of cooling by heat absorption during vaporization. More specifically, when the temperature of the working fluid F rises, the deformable component 130 contracts along the axial direction A2, which can increase the arrangement density of these rotating parts 131. Therefore, more parts of the deformable component 130 can be accommodated per unit length of the cable jacket 110. Furthermore, extra additives such as nanoparticles in the working fluid F also reduce the boiling point of the working fluid F. In this embodiment, the deformable component 130 enables the generation of a two-phase flow in the working fluid F within a temperature range of 40°C to 90°C. Therefore, the deformable component 130 is more suitable for the heat dissipation application of the charging cable for electric vehicles, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0034] The rotating parts 131 of the deformable component 130 facilitate the generation of vortices in the working fluid F. Furthermore, the deformable component 130 has adaptive deformation characteristics such that vortices are generated in the working fluid F by changing the axial distance D between the two rotating parts 131. More specifically, when the temperature of the working fluid F rises, the deformable component 130 contracts along the axial direction A2, which can increase the arrangement density of these rotating parts 131. Therefore, more parts of the deformable component 130 can be accommodated per unit length of the cable jacket 110. By accommodating more of the deformable component 130, higher-intensity vortices can be generated in the working fluid F. In this embodiment, the deformable component 130 has adaptive deformation characteristics that allow the axial distance D to be changed within the range of 0.50 to 20.0 mm.

[0035] According to one or more embodiments, the adaptive deformation characteristics of the deformable component 130 enable it to contract as the temperature rises, resulting in facilitating the generation of vortices. If the deformable component 130 elongates as the temperature rises (i.e., the axial distance D increases due to the increase in temperature), the effect of facilitating the generation of vortices is suppressed. Therefore, the material selection of the deformable component 130 is important.

[0036] As described above, the two-phase flow and vortices are generated in the working fluid F by the deformable component 130 disposed within the fluid flow path 111. The surface of the deformable component 130 lowers the boiling point of the working fluid F, enabling the two-phase flow to be more easily formed in the working fluid F, thereby achieving the purpose of cooling by heat absorption during vaporization. The helical-shaped deformable component 130 includes a plurality of rotating portions 131, thereby generating vortices in the working fluid F and enabling the purpose of cooling to be achieved. The characteristics adaptable to the temperature of the deformable component 130 can promote the formation of the two-phase flow and increase the intensity of the vortices as the temperature of the working fluid F rises, thereby dynamically increasing the cooling efficiency of the working fluid as the temperature rises.

[0037] The following provides experimental data to support the effects of improving the cooling efficiency and achieving uniform cooling performance achieved by the deformable component 130 disclosed in the present disclosure.

Example

[0038] The example provides the heat dissipation structure 10 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, in which the axial distance between two adjacent rotating portions 131 in the deformable component 130 can vary in the range of 0.50 mm to 20.0 mm due to temperature changes.

[0039] [Comparative Example 1] Comparative Example 1 provides a heat dissipation structure that includes the cable jacket 110 and the conductor 120 shown in FIG. 2 but excludes the deformable component.

[0040] [Comparative Example 2] Comparative Example 2 provides a heat dissipation structure including the cable jacket 110 and the conductor 120 shown in FIG. 2, and including a helical metal spring disposed in the fluid flow path 111, and the axial distance between two adjacent turns of the metal spring can always be 30.0 mm.

[0041] [Comparative Example 3] Comparative Example 3 provides a heat dissipation structure including the cable jacket 110 and the conductor 120 shown in FIG. 2, and including a helical metal spring disposed in the fluid flow path 111, and the axial distance between two adjacent turns of the metal spring can always be 40.0 mm.

[0042] The main differences between the heat dissipation structures in the Examples and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 are summarized in Table 1 below.

[0043]

Table 1

[0044] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the measurement results of the temperature of the outer surface of the heat dissipation structure 10. Note that the same working fluid (for example, milli-Q water containing nano-silicon particles) is provided in the heat dissipation structures of the Examples and Comparative Examples 1 to 3. A plurality of measurement points are provided on the outer surface of the heat dissipation structure (that is, the outer surface of the cable jacket), and the temperature of each measurement point is measured by any known means. For example, in FIG. 7, measurement points P1 to P5 are taken, and the temperatures of measurement points P1 to P5 are measured. The measurement results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0045]

Table 2

[0046] According to Table 2, in Example 1 including deformable parts, the temperature of each region on the outer surface of the heat dissipation structure can be made 40°C or lower, indicating that it can meet the market needs. Also, since Example 1 has a smaller standard deviation of temperature data than Comparative Examples 1 to 3, it can be seen that in Example 1 including deformable parts, a uniform cooling performance is obtained, and thus the temperature of the entire outer surface of the heat dissipation structure tends to be uniform.

[0047] As described above, according to the heat dissipation structure and the cooling method configured to cool the cable disclosed by the present disclosure, a two-phase flow and vortices are generated in the working fluid by the deformable parts arranged in the fluid flow path. The surface of the deformable parts lowers the boiling point of the working fluid, enabling the two-phase flow to be more easily formed in the working fluid, thereby achieving the purpose of cooling by heat absorption during vaporization. The helical deformable parts include a plurality of rotating parts, generating vortices in the working fluid and enabling the purpose of cooling to be achieved. The temperature t characteristics of the deformable parts can promote the formation of the two-phase flow and increase the intensity of the vortices as the temperature of the working fluid rises, thereby dynamically increasing the cooling efficiency of the working fluid as the temperature rises.

[0048] Furthermore, it should be noted that the heat dissipation structure and the cooling method configured to cool the cable disclosed by the present disclosure can be widely used in electric vehicles and are not limited to electric land vehicles. Also, the heat dissipation structure and the cooling method configured to cool the cable disclosed by the present disclosure can be applied to the thermal energy management of refrigeration and air conditioning systems or energy storage cabinets, but are not limited thereto.

[0049] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed embodiments. This specification and the examples are intended to be considered as illustrative only, and the true scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0050] 10: Heat dissipation structure, 11: Charging station, 12: Cable, 13: Electric vehicle, 110: Cable jacket, 111: Fluid flow path, 120: Conductor, 130: Component, 131: Rotating part

Claims

1. A cable jacket, the cable jacket having a fluid flow path extending along the axial direction of the cable jacket, a conductor disposed in the cable jacket, a deformable component that is temperature-adaptive and has a helical shape, the deformable component being disposed in the fluid flow path, and the deformable component generating a two-phase flow and vortices in the working fluid of the fluid flow path, and a heat dissipation structure configured to cool the cable.

2. The axial direction of the deformable component is substantially parallel to the axial direction of the cable jacket, The heat dissipation structure according to Claim 1.

3. The heat dissipation structure according to Claim 1, wherein the deformable component and the cable jacket are coaxially disposed.

4. The conductor is in fluid communication with the fluid flow path, The heat dissipation structure according to Claim 1.

5. The working fluid is non-conductive, The heat dissipation structure according to Claim 4.

6. The deformable component generates the two-phase flow in the working fluid at a temperature in the range of 40°C to 90°C,

7. The deformable component includes a plurality of rotators connected to each other, the deformable component has adaptive deformation characteristics, and by changing the axial distance between two adjacent rotators among the plurality of rotators, vortices are generated in the working fluid, The heat dissipation structure according to Claim 1.

8. The deformable component has the adaptive deformation characteristics such that the axial distance between two adjacent ones of the plurality of rotators varies in the range of 0.5 mm to 20.0 mm,

9. The deformable component includes a shape memory alloy, The heat dissipation structure according to Claim 1.

10. The shape memory alloy is selected from the group consisting of nickel-titanium alloys, manganese-silicon-iron alloys, zinc-copper-aluminum alloys, nickel-copper-aluminum alloys, nickel-titanium-iron alloys, and nickel-titanium-copper alloys,

11. Supplying a working fluid to the fluid flow path of the cable jacket, Generating a two-phase flow and vortices in the working fluid by a deformable component disposed in the fluid flow path, The deformable component is temperature-adaptive and has a helical shape, A cooling method configured to cool a cable.

12. The two-phase flow and the vortex are simultaneously generated in the working fluid by the deformable component. The cooling method according to Claim 11.

13. The deformable component generates the two-phase flow in the working fluid at a temperature in the range of 40°C to 90°C. The cooling method according to Claim 11.

14. The deformable component includes a plurality of rotors connected to each other. The deformable component has adaptable deformation characteristics. By changing the axial distance between two adjacent rotors among the plurality of rotors, a vortex is generated in the working fluid. The cooling method according to Claim 11.

15. The deformable component includes a shape memory alloy. The cooling method according to Claim 11.

16. The working fluid is non-conductive. The cooling method according to Claim 11.

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