Integrated Battery-Inverter Cooling Layout for Compact Power Supplies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supplies for industrial machines require a large internal space due to separate coolers for the battery and inverter, leading to increased size and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A power supply design that integrates a battery, inverter, and air-cooler within a common case, utilizing an air guide plate to efficiently direct cooling air to both the battery and inverter, reducing the need for multiple coolers and components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If separate coolers (battery fan and water pump) are used to cool the battery and inverter independently, then the cooling effectiveness is improved, but the device size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery cooler and inverter cooler into a single integrated cooler assembly. The cooler includes a common heat exchanger and shared airflow path that serves both the battery and inverter, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems while maintaining effective cooling for both components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cooler is designed to perform multiple cooling functions simultaneously. The same cooler assembly, including the heat exchanger and airflow distribution system, is used to cool both the battery and inverter, making the cooling system universal rather than dedicated to a single component.
2Temperature
If separate coolers are used for battery and inverter, then the cooling performance is maintained, but the power supply size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the battery cooler and inverter cooler into one integrated unit, reducing the overall volume required for cooling components. The shared heat exchanger and airflow path eliminate redundant spaces that would exist with separate cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cooler design allows the inverter to be positioned within or adjacent to the battery cooling structure, with the airflow path nested through the battery compartment and extending to cool the inverter. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization and minimizes the overall power supply volume.
3Temperature
If separate coolers (battery fan and water pump) are used, then the cooling capacity is sufficient, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cooling functions into a single cooler assembly, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This integration simplifies the supply chain and reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate cooling capacity through the shared heat exchanger and airflow system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for a compact power supply that can be installed in limited spaces, reduces manufacturing costs, and efficiently cools both the battery and inverter using a single air-cooler system.
Implementation Method 1
an air-cooler that cools the battery and the inverter with cooling air
Implementation Method 2
The heat exchanger may cool the air that has passed through the battery and the inverter
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply includes a battery; an inverter that controls an output voltage of the battery; an air-cooler that cools the battery and the inverter with cooling air; and a case that houses the battery, the inverter, and the air-cooler.