Capacitor Bus Bar Interposed for Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power conversion apparatuses face inefficiencies in cooling capacitor elements due to heat being blocked by the dielectric body, making it difficult to transfer heat to the heat dissipation member effectively.
Innovation Solution
The power conversion apparatus includes a capacitor element with a dielectric body and a metal layer, where part of the bus bar is interposed between the heat dissipation member and the capacitor element, allowing efficient heat transfer and cooling by pressing the capacitor and heat dissipation member in the same direction, with the bus bar acting as a cooling plate and preventing moisture ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the capacitor is cooled directly by the heat dissipation member, then the structure is simple, but the heat transfer efficiency is poor because the dielectric body blocks heat from the metal layer
Solution Approach 1:
The bus bar is introduced as an intermediary component between the capacitor element and the heat dissipation member. It serves dual functions: electrically connecting the electrode part and providing a thermal conduction path. The bus bar contacts the metal layer to receive heat and transfers it to the heat dissipation member, overcoming the heat blocking effect of the dielectric body without requiring complex structural modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The bus bar performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an electrical conductor connecting the electrode part to external circuits, and as a thermal conductor transferring heat from the capacitor element to the heat dissipation member. This multi-functionality improves heat transfer efficiency without adding separate dedicated cooling components, thus avoiding increased device complexity
2Loss of energy
If the capacitor and heat dissipation member are pressed together, then contact pressure is ensured for heat transfer, but the dielectric body still blocks heat from the metal layer
Solution Approach 1:
The bus bar serves as a reliable intermediary that directly contacts both the metal layer (to receive heat) and the heat dissipation member (to transfer heat). This intermediary structure ensures reliable heat transfer by creating a direct thermal path that bypasses the heat-blocking dielectric body, making the cooling efficiency independent of pressing force between the capacitor and heat dissipation member
3Loss of energy
If the bus bar is interposed between the heat dissipation member and capacitor element, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bus bar is not an additional component but an existing necessary element in the capacitor structure that performs dual functions. By utilizing the bus bar's inherent electrical connection function and adding its thermal conduction function, the patent improves heat transfer efficiency without actually increasing device complexity, as the same component serves multiple purposes
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 enhances the cooling efficiency of the capacitor element by directly transferring heat from the metal layer to the bus bars, which are then cooled by the heat dissipation member, preventing dielectric interference and maintaining electrostatic capacity while keeping the design compact.
Implementation Method 1
a heat dissipation member for cooling the capacitor; the capacitor and the heat dissipation member being pressed in an arranging direction in which the capacitor and the heat dissipation member are arranged
Implementation Method 2
When a ripple current flows through the metal layer, heat occurs due to resistance of the metal layer
Data Source
AI summary
A power conversion apparatus includes a capacitor and a heat dissipation member for cooling the capacitor. The capacitor and the heat dissipation member are pressed in an arranging direction in which the capacitor and the heat dissipation member are arranged. The capacitor includes a capacitor element which includes a dielectric body and a metal layer formed on a surface of the dielectric body, an electrode part connected to the metal layer and a bus bar connected to the electrode part. Part of the bus bar is interposed in the arranging direction between the heat dissipation member and the capacitor element.