Power Converter Capacitor Layout for Reduced Insulation Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power conversion devices with semiconductor modules and capacitors face challenges in reducing their size due to the need for insulation distances between external sensors or devices and the capacitor terminals, leading to increased device size.
Innovation Solution
The power conversion device is designed with a semiconductor module and a capacitor where the capacitor-side terminal surface faces the module-side terminal surface, reducing exposure of terminals on the side surface of the capacitor. This configuration allows devices to be arranged closer to the capacitors without considering insulation distances, thereby reducing the overall size of the power conversion device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the capacitor terminals are arranged on the outer side surface of the capacitor, then the capacitor can be easily connected to external circuits, but the device size increases due to required insulation distances from externally arranged sensors or devices
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor terminals are arranged on the side surface facing the semiconductor module rather than on the outer side surface, changing the spatial dimension of terminal arrangement. This allows external devices to be positioned closer without requiring insulation distances from exposed terminals, thereby reducing device size while maintaining connection ease through the side surface mounting approach
2Measurement precision
If external sensors or devices are arranged separately from the semiconductor modules and capacitors, then measurement and control functions are improved, but the device size increases due to insulation distance requirements from capacitor terminals
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging capacitor terminals on the side surface facing the semiconductor module, the patent enables external sensors and devices to be positioned in the space between the capacitor and semiconductor module. This dimensional reconfiguration allows measurement functions to be enhanced while minimizing device size, as sensors can be placed close to measurement points without being constrained by insulation distances from externally exposed terminals
Data Source
AI summary
A power conversion device includes a power converter including a semiconductor module, to convert input power and output the converted power, and a capacitor electrically connected to the semiconductor module. The capacitor includes a capacitor-side terminal surface on which a capacitor-side terminal is arranged, and the capacitor-side terminal surface faces a module-side terminal surface of the semiconductor module.