Semiconductor Power Converter Internal Air Temperature Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor power converters face reduced quality due to inaccurate temperature detection, leading to premature component failure and increased power consumption, as the heat-generating component and temperature sensor are thermally connected via a radiation fin, causing discrepancies in temperature readings and improper cooling fan operation.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor power converter design that includes a main circuit board with a first temperature sensor, a control circuit board with a second temperature sensor, and an internal-air-temperature estimation circuit, which calculates the internal air temperature using both sensors' readings to accurately control the cooling fan and prevent abnormal operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the temperature sensor is thermally connected to the heat-generating component via the radiation fin, then the cooling fan can be controlled based on detected temperature, but the temperature detected by the sensor becomes inaccurate due to thermal distance and radiation fin clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an internal air temperature estimation circuit as an intermediary that calculates the actual internal air temperature by combining the temperature sensor reading with other parameters (heat generation amount, fan operation state, radiation fin thermal resistance). This estimation circuit mediates between the imperfect sensor data and the cooling control decision, providing accurate temperature information without requiring direct thermal contact between the sensor and heat-generating components.
2Reliability
If the cooling fan operates based on inaccurate temperature detection, then component lifetime is shortened and characteristics degrade, but operating the fan continuously increases power consumption and shortens fan lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the cooling fan operation is adjusted based on the estimated internal air temperature. The estimation circuit continuously monitors temperature conditions and provides feedback to the cooling control, allowing the fan to operate only when necessary and at appropriate speeds. This prevents both premature component failure (by ensuring adequate cooling) and unnecessary power consumption (by avoiding continuous fan operation).
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 enhances the quality of semiconductor power converters by ensuring accurate temperature estimation and proper cooling fan operation, preventing premature component failure and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the heat-generating component and the temperature sensor, which are disposed in the semiconductor power converter, are thermally connected via the radiation fin to each other
Implementation Method 2
the cooling fan that circulates air in the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor power converter includes a main circuit board installed in a housing of the semiconductor power converter. On the main circuit board, a main circuit converting power supplied from a power source to supply converted power to a load, and a first temperature sensor are disposed. The converter also includes a control circuit board installed in the housing. On the control circuit board, a control circuit controlling the main circuit, and a second temperature sensor are disposed. The converter further includes an internal-air-temperature estimation circuit that estimates an internal air temperature in the semiconductor power converter by using a temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and a temperature detected by the second temperature sensor.