Power module external temperature measurement method and power module comprising same

Abstract

A temperature measurement method for controlling an output of a power module, which comprises a plurality of fans disposed in a line on one side of a housing of the power module, a substrate, an AC / DC rectifier disposed on the substrate, a DC / DC converter disposed on the substrate, a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor spaced a predetermined distance from the plurality of fans so as to be disposed on the substrate, a plurality of temperature sensors included in the AC / DC rectifier, and a processor, may comprise the steps of: measuring a temperature value by using the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the plurality of temperature sensors; checking whether a difference between the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is less than a first threshold value; and, when the difference is less than the first threshold value, controlling the output of the power module on the basis of an average value of the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor.

Description

Method for measuring external temperature of a power module and a power module including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for measuring the temperature outside a power module and a power module including the same, and more specifically, to a method for measuring the temperature outside a power module using a plurality of temperature sensors to control the output of a power module and a power module including the same.

[0002] Electric vehicle charging stations are infrastructure designed to charge electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs). Charging stations can be provided in various forms depending on charging speed, technology, and installation location. Charging stations can be installed in diverse places, including homes, public spaces, highways, and commercial charging stations. The type of charger installed may vary depending on the location and purpose.

[0003] Electric vehicle charging stations typically possess multiple chargers. While these chargers may all be of the same type, they may also be of different types. Charger types are primarily classified based on charging speed. They can be distinguished into slow chargers, which charge at relatively low power and take a long time; fast chargers, which charge at high voltage; ultra-fast chargers, capable of charging at ultra-high output; and wireless chargers, capable of wireless charging. Fast and ultra-fast chargers, which are capable of rapid charging, usually utilize multiple power modules configured in parallel to provide high output to electric vehicles. When power modules provide high output, heat generation can become a particular issue. As one solution to address this heat, cooling methods are applied to power modules. Cooling methods include air cooling and water cooling. Air cooling uses fans to cool heat-generating electrical components, while water cooling involves introducing non-conductive materials into the power module to cool it.

[0004] Despite the application of cooling methods, the external temperature of the power module affects its output; therefore, a method for measuring the external temperature from within the power module can be important. In particular, it may be necessary to determine whether temperature sensors are faulty and to measure the external temperature from within the power module while excluding faulty sensors.

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for measuring the external temperature of a power module using a plurality of temperature sensors to control the output of a power module, and a power module including the same.

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for measuring the external temperature of a power module capable of accurately measuring the external temperature of a power module, and a power module including the same.

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for measuring the external temperature of a power module capable of accurately measuring the external temperature of a power module to stably operate the power module, and a power module including the same.

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for measuring the external temperature of a power module, which determines whether a temperature sensor inside the power module is faulty and, taking this into account, can accurately measure the external temperature of the power module, and a power module including the same.

[0009] Furthermore, the technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is not limited to the purposes mentioned above, and other unmentioned purposes will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below.

[0010] A temperature measurement method for controlling the output of a power module according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising a plurality of fans arranged in a row on one side of a housing of the power module, a substrate, an AC / DC rectifier disposed on the substrate, a DC / DC converter disposed on the substrate, a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor disposed on the substrate at a certain distance from the plurality of fans, a plurality of temperature sensors included in the AC / DC rectifier, and a processor, may include the steps of: measuring a temperature value through the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the plurality of temperature sensors; determining whether the difference between the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is smaller than a first threshold value; and, if the result of the determination is smaller than the first threshold value, controlling the output of the power module based on the average value of the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor.

[0011] A temperature measurement method for controlling the output of a power module according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a step of determining the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor as normal if the result of the determination is smaller than the first threshold value.

[0012] A temperature measurement method for controlling the output of a power module according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include: a step of determining whether the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is greater than the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor when the difference between the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is greater than a first threshold value; a step of determining whether the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is greater than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors when the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is greater than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors; and a step of controlling the output of the power module based on the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor when the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is greater than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors.

[0013] A temperature measurement method for controlling the output of a power module according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a step of determining that the first temperature sensor is faulty if the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is greater than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors.

[0014] A temperature measurement method for controlling the output of a power module according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include the step of controlling the output of the power module based on the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor if the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is smaller than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors.

[0015] A temperature measurement method for controlling the output of a power module according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a step of determining that the second temperature sensor is faulty if the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is smaller than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors.

[0016] A temperature measurement method for controlling the output of a power module according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include: a step of determining whether the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is greater than the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor if the difference between the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is greater than a first threshold value; a step of determining whether the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is greater than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors if the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is smaller than the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor; and a step of controlling the output of the power module based on the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor if the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is greater than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors.

[0017] A temperature measurement method for controlling the output of a power module according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a step of determining that the second temperature sensor is faulty if the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is greater than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors.

[0018] In a temperature measurement method for controlling the output of a power module according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first threshold value may be 3 degrees.

[0019] In a temperature measurement method for controlling the output of a power module according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the plurality of temperature sensors may be NTCs.

[0020] In a temperature measurement method for controlling the output of a power module according to an embodiment of the present invention, the positions of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor may be arranged at both ends of the substrate that are not affected by the plurality of fans.

[0021] A power module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of fans arranged in a row on one side of a housing of the power module, a substrate, an AC / DC rectifier disposed on the substrate, a DC / DC converter disposed on the substrate, a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor disposed on the substrate at a certain distance from the plurality of fans, a plurality of temperature sensors included in the AC / DC rectifier, and a processor. The processor measures a temperature value through the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the plurality of temperature sensors, determines whether the difference between the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is smaller than a first threshold value, and if the result of the determination is smaller than the first threshold value, the output of the power module can be controlled based on the average value of the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor.

[0022] In a power module according to an embodiment of the present invention, if the judgment result is smaller than the first threshold value, the processor can determine that the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor are normal.

[0023] In a power module according to an embodiment of the present invention, if the difference between the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is greater than a first threshold value, the processor determines whether the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is greater than the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor; if the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is greater, the processor determines whether the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is greater than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors; and if the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is greater than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors, the processor can control the output of the power module based on the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor.

[0024] In a power module according to an embodiment of the present invention, if the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is greater than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors, the processor may determine that the first temperature sensor is faulty.

[0025] In a power module according to an embodiment of the present invention, if the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is smaller than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors, the processor can control the output of the power module based on the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor.

[0026] In a power module according to an embodiment of the present invention, if the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is smaller than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors, the processor may determine that the second temperature sensor is faulty.

[0027] In a power module according to an embodiment of the present invention, if the difference between the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is greater than a first threshold value, the processor determines whether the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is greater than the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor; if the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is smaller than the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor, the processor determines whether the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is greater than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors; and if the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is greater than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors, the processor can control the output of the power module based on the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor.

[0028] In a power module according to an embodiment of the present invention, if the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is greater than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors, the processor may determine that the second temperature sensor is faulty.

[0029] In a power module according to an embodiment of the present invention, the positions of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor may be placed at both ends of the substrate that are not affected by the plurality of fans.

[0030] According to the present invention, a method for measuring the temperature outside a power module using a plurality of temperature sensors for controlling the output of a power module, and a power module including the same can be provided.

[0031] According to the present invention, a method for measuring the temperature of a power module capable of accurately measuring the temperature outside the power module and a power module including the same can be provided.

[0032] According to the present invention, a method for measuring the temperature of a power module capable of accurately measuring the temperature of a power module to stably operate the power module, and a power module including the same can be provided.

[0033] According to the present invention, a method for measuring the temperature of a power module and a power module including the same can be provided, which determines whether a temperature sensor within the power module is faulty and takes this into account to accurately measure the temperature of the power module.

[0034] In addition to these, the effects obtainable from the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0035] FIG. 1a is an internal block diagram of a charger in an electric vehicle charging station according to one embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 1b is a block diagram schematically showing the interior of a power module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIGS. 2a and FIGS. 2b are perspective views of a power module arranged according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from one side and the other.

[0038] FIGS. 3a and FIGS. 3b are perspective views of a power module arranged according to another embodiment of the present invention, viewed from one side and the other.

[0039] FIGS. 4a and FIGS. 4b are flowcharts of a power module measuring temperature according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0041] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to some of the described embodiments but can be implemented in various different forms, and within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, one or more of the components among the embodiments may be selectively combined or substituted.

[0042] In addition, terms used in the embodiments of the present invention (including technical and scientific terms) may be interpreted in a sense that is generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise. Terms that are commonly used, such as terms defined in advance, may be interpreted in consideration of their meaning in the context of the relevant technology.

[0043] Furthermore, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0044] In this specification, the singular form may include the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text, and when described as "at least one of A and B and C (or more than one)," it may include one or more of all combinations that can be formed from A, B, and C.

[0045] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used when describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0046] These terms are intended merely to distinguish a component from other components and are not limited by the nature, order, sequence, etc., of the said component.

[0047] And, where it is stated that a component is 'connected', 'combined', or 'joined' to another component, this may include not only cases where the component is directly connected, combined, or joined to the other component, but also cases where it is 'connected', 'combined', or 'joined' due to another component located between the component and the other component.

[0048] Furthermore, when described as being formed or placed "above or below" each component, "above" or "below" includes not only cases where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or placed between the two components. Additionally, when expressed as "above or below," it may include the meaning of a downward direction as well as an upward direction relative to a single component.

[0049] FIG. 1a is an internal block diagram of a charger in an electric vehicle charging station according to one embodiment.

[0050] Multiple chargers may be installed at an electric vehicle charging station. Referring to FIG. 1a, a single charger (100) may include multiple power modules (110). An electric vehicle may be charged through a single power module (110) or through multiple power modules (110). According to one embodiment, if the charger is a fast charger, it may support high-speed charging of several hundred kW. Each power module (110) may output a capacity of several tens of kW, and the charger (100) may output a large capacity by connecting the power modules (110) in parallel.

[0051] FIG. 1b is a block diagram schematically showing the interior of a power module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 1b, the power module (110) may include a fan (112), a substrate (114), an AC / DC rectifier (116), a DC / DC converter (118), and a processor (120). According to one embodiment, the power module (110) may be connected externally to an AC grid (130) to receive power, and may be connected to a battery (140) of an electric vehicle to supply power. According to one embodiment, the power module (110) may be a bidirectional power module. That is, it may receive power from the battery (140) of an electric vehicle and supply power to the AC grid (130), but this is outside the scope of the present invention and is not described further.

[0053] Specifically, the fan (112) is attached to the housing (not shown) of the power module (110) and can perform the function of discharging heat from within the power module (110) to the outside. The fan (112) may be placed on one side of the housing (not shown) of the power module (110) and may be placed on a side that does not come into direct contact with other components outside the power module (110).

[0054] According to one embodiment, the substrate (114) may be configured for placing electrical components of the power module (110). In the power module (110) according to an embodiment of the present invention, an AC / DC rectifier (116), a DC / DC converter (118), and a processor (120) may be placed on the substrate (114). Additionally, a temperature sensor for measuring or predicting the external temperature of the power module (110) may also be placed on the substrate (114).

[0055] The AC / DC rectifier (116) can convert power supplied from the AC grid (130) into DC power. According to one embodiment, the AC / DC rectifier (116) may generate heat and may include a plurality of temperature sensors capable of measuring the temperature within the AC / DC rectifier (116). Since the AC / DC rectifier (116) is a heat-emitting element, its temperature may be higher than any other location within the power module (110). Therefore, the temperature sensors included within the AC / DC rectifier (116) may serve as a criterion for determining whether other temperature sensors placed within the power module (110) are malfunctioning.

[0056] A DC / DC converter (118) can convert DC power into DC power. Since the power module (110) may need to output various DC powers within a certain range, a DC / DC converter (118) may be included within the power module (110).

[0057] The processor (120) can control each component of the power module (110). For example, the processor (120) can control whether each component within the power module (110) is operating and can have the AC / DC rectifier (116) measure the internal temperature. Additionally, the processor (120) can control the output of the power module (110). Specifically, the processor (120) can control the output of the power module (110) by using a temperature sensor inside the power module (110) to measure or predict the temperature outside the power module (110). For example, if it is determined that the temperature outside the power module (110) is sufficiently low, the processor (120) can control the output of the power module (110) to the maximum, and otherwise, the processor (120) can control the strength (or magnitude) of the output of the power module (110) based on the measured or predicted temperature outside the power module (110).

[0058] FIGS. 2a and 2b are perspective views of a power module arranged according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from one side and the other, and FIGS. 3a and 3b are perspective views of a power module arranged according to another embodiment of the present invention, viewed from one side and the other.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 2a and 2b, the power module (110) may have a horizontally arranged shape, and referring to FIGS. 3a and 3b, the power module (110) may have a vertically arranged shape.

[0060] According to one embodiment, a fan (112) may be placed on the front or rear of the power module (110). A temperature sensor may be placed inside the power module (110) to measure the temperature outside the power module (110). According to one embodiment, two temperature sensors may be placed inside the power module (110) to measure the temperature outside the power module (110). The two temperature sensors may be referred to as a first temperature sensor (210) and a second temperature sensor (220), and the order is not meaningful. The first temperature sensor (210) and the second temperature sensor (220) may be placed behind the fan (112). The first temperature sensor (210) and the second temperature sensor (220) may be placed at equal intervals on both sides with respect to the centerline (230) of the power module. For reference, the centerline (230) of the power module is an arbitrary line dividing the power module (110) into two, rather than a line marked inside the power module (110). The location where the first temperature sensor (210) and the second temperature sensor (220) are placed may be a location where wind from the fan (112) does not directly reach. According to one embodiment, the first temperature sensor (210) and the second temperature sensor (220) may be NTCs (Negative Temperature Coefficient Thermistors), but are not limited thereto. Additionally, the first temperature sensor (210) and the second temperature sensor (220) may be different types of sensors, but preferably they may be of the same type.

[0061] According to one embodiment, when the power module (110) is positioned as in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor (210) and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor (220) may be nearly identical. However, when the power module (110) is positioned as in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the heat emitted from the power semiconductors may be directed upward, so the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor (210) and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor (220) may be different.

[0062] According to one embodiment, an AC / DC rectifier (116) and a DC / DC converter (118) may be disposed behind the fan (112). Additionally, a processor (not shown) may be disposed behind the fan (112). According to one embodiment, the processor may be disposed on the upper surface of the substrate, but may also be disposed on the lower surface.

[0063] As previously described, the AC / DC rectifier (116) can convert power supplied from the AC grid (130) into DC power. The AC / DC rectifier (116) can generate heat and may include a plurality of temperature sensors capable of measuring the temperature within the AC / DC rectifier (116). The temperature sensors included in the AC / DC rectifier (116) may be, for example, three, and may be NTCs. According to one embodiment, the failure of the first temperature sensor (210) or the second temperature sensor (220) can be determined by the temperature value measured using the plurality of temperature sensors included in the AC / DC rectifier (116).

[0064] The DC / DC converter (118) can convert the DC power received from the AC / DC rectifier (116) into various DC powers within a certain range.

[0065] A processor (not shown) can control the power module (110) as a whole, and in particular, in the present invention, can measure the temperature outside the power module (110) described in FIG. 4.

[0066] FIGS. 4a and FIGS. 4b are flowcharts of a power module measuring temperature according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 4a and 4b, the power module can control the output of the power module by predicting the temperature outside the power module using a temperature sensor inside the power module.

[0068] Specifically, the power module can measure a temperature value using a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, and a plurality of temperature sensors (S410). The first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor may be temperature sensors placed within the power module to predict the temperature outside the power module. The first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor may be placed in a location that is not affected by a plurality of fans placed on one side of the housing of the power module. The first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor may be, for example, NTCs and may be placed on a substrate. According to one embodiment, the plurality of temperature sensors may be reference sensors for determining whether the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor are faulty. The plurality of temperature sensors may not be placed in the same location as the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, but may be placed within an AC / DC rectifier. The plurality of temperature sensors may be temperature sensors placed inside a power semiconductor for measuring the temperature within the power module.

[0069] The power module can determine whether the difference between the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is smaller than the first threshold value (S420). To determine whether the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor are faulty, the power module can compare the difference between the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor with the first threshold value. The first threshold value may be the temperature difference due to the position of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor. For example, the power module may be positioned horizontally, but in some cases, it may be positioned vertically. When the power module is positioned horizontally, the difference between the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is expected to be extremely small, but when it is positioned vertically, there may be a difference between the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor depending on the size of the power module. In the present invention, the first threshold value may vary depending on the size of the power module, but it was measured to be approximately 3 degrees by testing.

[0070] The power module may determine that the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor are operating normally if, as a result of the determination, the difference between the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is smaller than the first threshold value (S430). According to one embodiment, if the difference between the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is smaller than the first threshold value, the power module may not separately determine whether the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor are operating normally. According to one embodiment, the power module may transmit whether the temperature sensor is faulty to the outside through separate communication.

[0071] Additionally, if the difference between the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is smaller than the first threshold value, the power module can control the output of the power module based on the average value of the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor (S440). The power module can be controlled to output at maximum when the external temperature is low, but can control the output to be low when the external temperature is high to increase the efficiency of the power module.

[0072] According to one embodiment, if the difference between the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is not less than the first threshold value, the power module can determine whether the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is greater than the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor (S425). If the difference between the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is not less than the first threshold value, i.e., greater, the power module can determine that either the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor is faulty. The power module can determine the faulty temperature sensor and control the output of the power module using the non-faulty temperature sensor. According to one embodiment, the faulty temperature sensor can generally indicate a maximum value or a minimum value.

[0073] Specifically, if the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is greater than the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor, the power module can determine whether the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is greater than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors (S435). The plurality of temperature sensors may be included within an AC / DC rectifier or a power semiconductor. The AC / DC rectifier and the power semiconductor are components that generate heat when the power module operates, and the temperature measured through the plurality of temperature sensors is always higher than the temperature value measured through the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor intended to measure the external temperature of the power module.

[0074] The power module can determine that the first temperature sensor is faulty if the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is greater than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using a plurality of temperature sensors (S445). Therefore, the second temperature sensor can be determined to be operating normally.

[0075] Additionally, if the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is greater than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using a plurality of temperature sensors, the power module can control the output of the power module based on the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor (S455). As previously explained, the power module can control the output to the maximum when the external temperature is low, and otherwise, control the strength (or magnitude) of the output based on the external temperature.

[0076] According to one embodiment, if the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is not greater than the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor, the power module can determine whether the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is greater than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors (S450). Since the temperature value measured using the plurality of temperature sensors included in the AC / DC rectifier or power semiconductor is always higher than the temperature value measured through the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor intended to measure the external temperature of the power module, the power module can determine whether the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is greater than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors in order to determine whether the second temperature sensor is normal.

[0077] The power module can determine that the second temperature sensor is faulty if the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is greater than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using multiple temperature sensors (S460). Therefore, the power module can determine that the first temperature sensor is operating normally.

[0078] Additionally, if the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is greater than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using multiple temperature sensors, the power module can control the output of the power module based on the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor (S470). That is, the power module can control the output to the maximum when the external temperature is low, and otherwise, control the strength (or magnitude) of the output based on the external temperature.

[0079] Although the invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, this is merely illustrative and does not limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible within the scope of the essential characteristics of the embodiments. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments may be modified and implemented. Furthermore, differences related to such modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Multiple fans arranged in a row on one side of the power module housing; Substrate; AC / DC rectifier disposed on the above substrate; A DC / DC converter disposed on the above substrate; A first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor disposed on the substrate at a certain distance from the plurality of fans; A plurality of temperature sensors included in the above AC / DC rectifier; and A temperature measurement method for controlling the output of a power module including a processor, A step of measuring a temperature value through the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the plurality of temperature sensors; A step of determining whether the difference between the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is smaller than a first threshold value; and A method comprising the step of controlling the output of the power module based on the average value of the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor, if the result of the above judgment is smaller than the first threshold value.

2. In Paragraph 1, A method further comprising the step of determining the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor as normal if the above judgment result is smaller than the first threshold value.

3. In Paragraph 1, If the difference between the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is greater than the first threshold value, a step of determining whether the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is greater than the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor; If the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is large, a step of determining whether the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is larger than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors; and A method further comprising the step of controlling the output of the power module based on the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor when the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is greater than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors.

4. In Paragraph 3, A method further comprising the step of determining that the first temperature sensor is faulty if the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is greater than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors.

5. In Paragraph 3, A method further comprising the step of controlling the output of the power module based on the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor if the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is smaller than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors.

6. In Paragraph 5, A method further comprising the step of determining that the second temperature sensor is faulty if the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is smaller than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors.

7. In Paragraph 1, If the difference between the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is greater than the first threshold value, a step of determining whether the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is greater than the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor; If the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor is smaller than the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor, a step of determining whether the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is greater than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors; and A method further comprising the step of controlling the output of the power module based on the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor when the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is greater than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors.

8. In Paragraph 7, A method further comprising the step of determining that the second temperature sensor is faulty if the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is greater than the average value of the temperature values ​​measured using the plurality of temperature sensors.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above first threshold value is 3 degrees, method.

10. Multiple fans arranged in a row on one side of the power module housing; Substrate; AC / DC rectifier disposed on the above substrate; A DC / DC converter disposed on the above substrate; A first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor disposed on the substrate at a certain distance from the plurality of fans; A plurality of temperature sensors included in the above AC / DC rectifier; and Includes a processor, The above processor A power module that measures a temperature value through the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the plurality of temperature sensors, determines whether the difference between the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor is smaller than a first threshold value, and if the result of the determination is smaller than the first threshold value, controls the output of the power module based on the average value of the temperature value measured using the first temperature sensor and the temperature value measured using the second temperature sensor.

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