Cooling Flow Path Structure for Uniform Refrigerant Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling structures, such as those with water jackets and cooling fins, do not achieve sufficient cooling efficiency for heat generators like power modules in vehicles due to inefficient refrigerant flow distribution.
Innovation Solution
A cooling structure with a flow path-forming member that includes cooling fins projecting from a basal inner wall and obstacles on side inner walls, arranged to disrupt linear refrigerant flow and enhance contact with fins, optimizing refrigerant distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling fins are installed on the basal inner wall to improve cooling performance, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the refrigerant flow distribution becomes uneven and cooling efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the cooling fin structure by installing fins not only on the basal inner wall but also on the side inner walls of the flow path-forming member. This segmentation of the cooling surface across multiple walls creates more uniform refrigerant flow distribution and enhances overall heat transfer efficiency by utilizing the flow path space more effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional cooling fin arrangement (only on the basal wall) to a three-dimensional arrangement by extending cooling fins to the side inner walls. This dimensional expansion allows the refrigerant to be cooled from multiple directions, improving flow distribution and cooling uniformity throughout the flow path.
2Temperature
If cooling fins are arranged to increase flow velocity at heat release areas, then cooling performance is improved, but the structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side inner walls of the flow path-forming member serve dual functions: they define the flow path geometry and simultaneously support cooling fins for heat dissipation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate cooling components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining effective cooling performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the flow path structure with the cooling fin support structure by integrating cooling fins directly into the side inner walls of the flow path-forming member. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate cooling components and reduces structural complexity while achieving effective heat dissipation.
3Productivity
If obstacles are added on side inner walls to disrupt linear flow, then refrigerant distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side inner walls serve multiple functions: they define the flow path boundaries, support cooling fins for heat dissipation, and provide mounting surfaces for obstacles to control flow distribution. This multi-functionality achieves improved refrigerant distribution without adding significant structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The obstacles are integrated with the side inner walls of the flow path-forming member, combining the flow distribution function with the existing structural elements. This integration avoids adding separate complex obstacle structures while still achieving the desired flow disruption and distribution improvement.
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
The structure significantly improves cooling efficiency by ensuring refrigerant flows towards cooling fins, enhancing heat transfer and reducing temperature in heat-generating components like power semiconductors and capacitors.
Implementation Method 1
the cooling fin installation section provided with at least one cooling fin projecting from the basal inner wall toward an inner side of the flow path
Implementation Method 2
at least one obstacle projecting from the side inner wall toward the inner side of the flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling structure includes a flow path-forming member that forms a flow path for a refrigerant to pass through, wherein: the flow path-forming member includes, on a basal inner wall thereof, a cooling fin installation section provided with at least one cooling fin projecting from the basal inner wall toward an inner side of the flow path, the cooling fin installation section being disposed separately from side inner walls of the flow path-forming member; and the flow path-forming member includes, on a side inner wall thereof, at least one obstacle projecting from the side inner wall toward the inner side of the flow path.