Converter Heat Sink Air Channel With Inlet Cone Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling arrangements for power semiconductor devices in converters, particularly in railway vehicles, are inefficient and face energy consumption and noise issues when attempting to enhance cooling with more powerful fans.
Innovation Solution
The use of an inlet cone for the fan to increase airflow efficiency, combined with a channel design that includes a second portion with a diverging filter area and a symmetrical vertical air flow, ensures maximum airflow and uniform cooling without excessive noise or energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the power of the fan is increased to improve cooling efficiency, then the cooling performance is improved, but the noise level increases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet cone transforms the airflow pattern from a limited directional intake to a three-dimensional omnidirectional intake. The conical geometry with its opening facing upward allows air to be drawn from all directions (360 degrees horizontally and vertically), effectively utilizing the third dimension to maximize airflow volume without increasing fan power or noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet cone employs a curved conical surface instead of flat or angular surfaces. This curved geometry smoothly guides air molecules from all directions toward the fan inlet, reducing turbulence and optimizing airflow. The spherical/conical shape naturally directs airflow from multiple angles, enhancing the effective intake area without requiring additional fan capacity.
2Temperature
If the power of the fan is increased to improve cooling efficiency, then the cooling performance is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet cone transforms the airflow pattern from a limited directional intake to a three-dimensional omnidirectional intake. The conical geometry with its opening facing upward allows air to be drawn from all directions (360 degrees horizontally and vertically), effectively utilizing the third dimension to maximize airflow volume without increasing fan power or noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet cone employs a curved conical surface instead of flat or angular surfaces. This curved geometry smoothly guides air molecules from all directions toward the fan inlet, reducing turbulence and optimizing airflow. The spherical/conical shape naturally directs airflow from multiple angles, enhancing the effective intake area without requiring additional fan capacity.
3Quantity of substance
If the channel inlet area is increased to maximize airflow, then the airflow volume is improved, but the air speed decreases which may cause dust and debris to pass through the filter
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet cone transforms the airflow pattern from a limited directional intake to a three-dimensional omnidirectional intake. The conical geometry with its opening facing upward allows air to be drawn from all directions (360 degrees horizontally and vertically), effectively utilizing the third dimension to maximize airflow volume without increasing fan power or noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet cone employs a curved conical surface instead of flat or angular surfaces. This curved geometry smoothly guides air molecules from all directions toward the fan inlet, reducing turbulence and optimizing airflow. The spherical/conical shape naturally directs airflow from multiple angles, enhancing the effective intake area without requiring additional fan capacity.
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 cooling efficiency by maximizing airflow through the fan, optimizing fan performance, and maintaining a uniform air flow to effectively cool multiple converters while preventing dust and debris ingress.
Implementation Method 1
a fan (9) located with a suction side connected to said first channel portion to create a flow of air from an inlet from the exterior into said channel while passing the heat sink members
Implementation Method 2
power semiconductor devices of a converter arranged in a closed casing with said semiconductor devices in a bottom of the casing on top of a heat sink (5) having members, such as fins (6), for heat exchange
Implementation Method 3
a channel (8) for conducting a flow of air to pass said members for cooling thereof
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
An arrangement for cooling power semiconductor devices (2) of a converter (1) arranged in a closed casing (3) with the semiconductor devices in a bottom of the casing on top of a heat sink (5) having members (6) for heat exchange extending externally of the casing out from the bottom comprises a channel (8) for conducting a flow of air to pass said members (6) for cooling thereof, in which a first portion (7) of the channel has the casing bottom as a ceiling and receiving said members (6). A fan (9) is located with a suction side connected to the first channel portion (7) to create a flow of air from an inlet (16) from the exterior (19) into the channel while passing the heat sink members. The fan (9) is provided with an inlet cone (12) arranged to allow air to be drawn all around into the fan.