Integrated Blower Diffuser and Heat Exchanger for Electronics Enclosure Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern electronics, particularly transformers within enclosures, face challenges in adequate cooling as the complexity of electronic controls increases, requiring more efficient cooling systems to manage rising heat levels.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a blower diffuser with a shroud and a heat exchanger within an electronics enclosure, where the blower diffuser is positioned in contact with electronic components, and a shroud surrounds the blower and components, allowing air to circulate and pass through a heat exchanger for effective cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a blower diffuser is used to provide high volume cooling air flow, then cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blower and diffuser are merged into a single integrated blower diffuser assembly. The blower housing contains the blower fan, while the diffuser is positioned at the outlet to condition the air flow. This combination provides high volume cooling air flow with enhanced diffusion and heat transfer capabilities while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for electronics enclosures.
Solution Approach 2:
The blower diffuser assembly serves multiple functions: it generates cooling air flow, diffuses the air for even distribution, and provides heat transfer capabilities through integrated fins. This multi-functionality improves cooling efficiency while reducing the number of separate components needed in the system.
2Ease of operation
If a shroud surrounds the blower diffuser and electronic components, then air flow control is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud is designed as a separate component that can be independently manufactured and then assembled with the blower diffuser and electronic components. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function and manufactured using appropriate processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective air flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The shroud acts as an intermediary structure that guides and controls air flow between the blower diffuser and electronic components. It includes openings that regulate air distribution and positioning features that ensure proper spacing, providing precise air flow control without requiring complex integrated designs.
3Productivity
If the blower diffuser is positioned in contact with electronic components, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but risk of damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud provides localized protection by positioning electronic components at specific distances from the blower diffuser. The shroud includes openings that allow cooling air to reach components while maintaining protective spacing. This selective positioning ensures adequate cooling effectiveness while preventing direct contact that could cause damage.
4Productivity
If air circulates around the enclosure, then cooling coverage is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud and diffuser work together to create continuous cooling air flow paths that circulate around the enclosure. The diffuser conditions the air flow to ensure even distribution, and the shroud maintains sealed pathways that prevent energy loss while providing comprehensive cooling coverage throughout the electronics enclosure.
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 provides efficient cooling for electronic components, including transformers, by directing air flow radially outward from the blower diffuser, through guide vanes and heat transfer fins, and utilizing a heat exchanger to dissipate heat effectively, even in a compact package.
Implementation Method 1
A blower diffuser is received within an enclosure and positioned in contact with at least one electronic component. A shroud surrounds the blower diffuser and at least one electronic component. An opening is formed through the shroud, such that air can be driven within the shroud from the blower diffuser, and across at least one electronic component
Implementation Method 2
A heat exchanger is positioned in the path of air leaving the opening. The heat exchanger cools the air that leaves the opening which circulates within the electronics enclosure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An electronics enclosure, 25, has a blower and diffuser received within an enclosure. Electronic components are also received within the enclosure, 25. The blower diffuser, 20, is positioned in contact with at least one of the electronic components. A shroud, 32, surrounds the blower diffuser, 20, and the at least one electronic component, and is spaced from an outer surface of the at least one electronic component. An opening, 38, is formed through the shroud, 32, such that air can be driven within the shroud from the blower diffuser, and across at least one electronic component, and then outwardly of the opening. A heat exchanger, 36, is positioned in the path of air leaving the opening, 38.