Rotating Machine Control Module Cooling for Filter Capacitors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for rotating electrical machines, such as those used in automotive alternator-starters, face inefficiencies in cooling the filtering capacitors due to insufficient thermal performance of associated heat sinks, leading to increased temperature and reduced efficiency and availability.
Innovation Solution
A control system design featuring a first heat sink coupled with the power module, a second heat sink coupled with the control module and filtering capacitors, and a spacer to create an intermediate position for the power module, with both heat sinks promoting thermal conduction and convection through a radial air flow generated by the rotating electrical machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heat sink is associated with the filtering capacitors to dissipate heat, then the temperature of the filtering capacitors is reduced, but the thermal performance remains insufficient leading to reduced efficiency and availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple heat-generating components (power module, control module, and filtering capacitors) with a single integrated heat sink structure. The heat sink is positioned to receive heat from all three components simultaneously, creating a unified thermal management system that improves overall cooling efficiency while reducing the need for multiple separate heat dissipation components.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat sink serves multiple functions: it cools the power module, control module, and filtering capacitors simultaneously. This multi-functional design allows a single component to address thermal management needs across different parts of the control system, improving reliability without adding complexity.
2Temperature
If multiple heat sinks are used to cool different components, then cooling coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using separate heat sinks for the power module, control module, and filtering capacitors, the patent merges them into a single integrated heat sink structure. This reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall thermal management system while maintaining comprehensive cooling coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The single heat sink is designed to serve multiple cooling functions simultaneously, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized heat sinks. This universal design approach reduces device complexity while achieving the same or better cooling performance.
3Temperature
If the power module is positioned between the first and second heat sinks, then thermal management efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat sink is designed as an integrated structure that combines cooling paths for both the power module and control module. By merging the thermal management functions into a single component with standardized mounting interfaces, the patent reduces the need for high-precision custom positioning while maintaining efficient heat transfer from both modules.
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
Enhances heat transfer efficiency, reduces the risk of failure, and extends the service life of filtering capacitors by improving cooling through a radial air flow and thermal conduction, maintaining optimal operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat sink associated with the power module, said first heat sink being configured to perform a thermal transfer of the calories generated by the power module during its operation with ambient air
Implementation Method 2
both heat sinks promoting thermal conduction and convection through a radial air flow generated by the rotating electrical machine
Implementation Method 3
a second heat sink associated with the control module, said second heat sink being configured to perform a thermal transfer of the calories generated by the control module during its operation with ambient air
Implementation Method 4
both heat sinks promoting thermal conduction and convection through a radial air flow generated by the rotating electrical machine
Implementation Method 5
both heat sinks promoting thermal conduction and convection through a radial air flow generated by the rotating electrical machine
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a control system (10) for controlling a rotating electrical machine (20), said control system (10) comprising a power module (160) and a command module (130), each power module (160) and command module (130) being thermally regulated by respectively a first (170) and a second (140) heat sink. The second heat sink (140) comprises receiving elements (145) that allow the filtering capacities (150) of the control system (10) to be thermally coupled and the cooling thereof to be improved, by subjecting the second heat sink (140) to a concentric and convergent air flow (Fi) towards the central region close to the axis of rotation O of the rotating electrical machine (20). The invention also relates to a rotating electrical machine (20) comprising such a dissipative control system (10).