Electrical Cabinet Cooling Duct Network for Heat Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control cabinets with heat-generating components face inefficiencies in heat dissipation due to limited cooling capabilities and rigid component arrangements, which restrict effective thermal management and flexibility in module configuration.

Innovation Solution

A control cabinet design featuring a housing with central ventilation and cooling channels that allow for modular arrangement of heat sinks with continuous casting, enabling efficient air flow and heat dissipation through a network of cooling channels and air-guiding parts, along with a mounting plate that separates cooler and warmer air areas, facilitating flexible module configuration and enhanced thermal management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If components are arranged in a straight line on DIN rails, then installation is simple, but heat dissipation surface area is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidheat dissipation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear arrangement of components on DIN rails to a three-dimensional modular configuration where modules are stacked vertically and arranged in rows. This spatial reorganization dramatically increases the heat dissipation surface area while maintaining installation simplicity through standardized mounting interfaces and rail systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into independent modular units, each containing heat-generating components mounted on circuit boards that are attached to heat sinks. These modules can be independently installed, removed, and configured, allowing flexible arrangement to optimize both installation ease and heat dissipation surface area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple separate ventilation channels are used for each module, then each module can be cooled independently, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent cooling capabilityVSAvoidventilation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines individual module ventilation requirements into a unified housing-level ventilation system. The housing contains integrated air intake and exhaust channels that serve all modules simultaneously, while each module benefits from this collective cooling system. This approach maintains effective cooling without the complexity of individual ventilation mechanisms for each module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for modules, contains the ventilation system, and manages air flow for all heat-generating components. The ventilation channels are designed to serve multiple modules simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective cooling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If a large number of modules are installed to increase power output, then power generation increases, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation capacityVSAvoidheat dissipation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes vertical stacking of modules in addition to horizontal arrangement, creating a three-dimensional configuration that maximizes the use of available space. This dimensional expansion allows a large number of modules to be installed within a compact volume while maintaining adequate air flow paths for heat dissipation, thereby increasing power output without compromising thermal management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Temperature

If components are arranged flexibly around cooling channels, then heat dissipation improves, but installation and configuration becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoidcomponent arrangement flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the system into self-contained modules, each with its own circuit board and heat sink assembly. This segmentation allows components to be pre-configured and tested independently, then easily installed as complete units. The modular approach provides flexibility in arrangement while simplifying installation and maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design achieves improved heat dissipation by allowing for a large cooled surface area and flexible component placement, enabling effective thermal management and increased power generation through modular structure, while maintaining compactness and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

a cooling channel arranged in the module through which a cooling medium flows

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the or each module is centrally ventilated... through which a cooling medium flows

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

the collecting channel leads to an air guiding part, in particular a deflecting part, of the housing, wherein the air guiding part has an opening directed towards the environment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentEP2807909B1Electrical cabinet with housing
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 SEW EURODRIVE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2807909B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2807909B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2807909B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Appliance, especially switchgear cabinet (40), having a housing, said housing surrounding one or more modules (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) , thereby forming a housing, and comprising at least one air guide. The module or each module has a central ventilation system, especially a cooling duct, arranged in the module, through which a cooling medium flows. The central ventilation system, especially the cooling duct, of the one module or each module opens into a collecting duct (50) arranged inside the housing, especially an air duct, said collecting duct (50) leading to an air guide, especially a deflector (41), of the housing, the air duct having an opening directed towards the surrounding area.