Cooling-Type Switching Element Module With Nested Conductor Pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling-type switching element modules for electric power conversion circuits in electric vehicles fail to simultaneously achieve improved cooling performance, downsizing, and enhanced electrical performance, with previous solutions having different structures that are difficult to combine effectively.
Innovation Solution
A cooling-type switching element module design featuring an outer conductor pipe and an inner conductor pipe with projecting portions, where first and second switching elements are arranged on the outer and inner surfaces, respectively, and a coolant flows within the inner pipe and outside the outer pipe, enhancing cooling efficiency and electrical performance while reducing module size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the volume of coolant channels is increased to improve cooling performance, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the cooler size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested cooling channels by placing an inner conductor pipe within an outer conductor pipe, creating concentric coolant flow paths. This nested structure allows multiple cooling channels to occupy the same spatial footprint, improving cooling performance without increasing the overall cooler size. The inner and outer pipes form a compact arrangement where coolant flows through both channels in a nested configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar cooling channel arrangements to three-dimensional concentric cooling channels. By utilizing the radial dimension with inner and outer pipes arranged concentrically, the design creates multiple cooling paths within a compact volume, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to the cooling channel configuration that improves cooling efficiency without proportionally increasing cooler size.
2Reliability
If switching elements are arranged to reduce inductance and prevent surge voltages, then electrical performance is improved, but the arrangement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of switching elements on the outer and inner conductor pipes, positioning them at different angular positions and heights. This asymmetric configuration optimizes current path lengths and reduces loop inductance, thereby preventing surge voltages. The asymmetric layout allows tailored positioning of each switching element to minimize electrical interference while maintaining structural organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different positioning characteristics to switching elements based on their specific electrical requirements. Each switching element is positioned at a specific location on the conductor pipes with optimized spacing and angular placement, allowing local optimization of current paths and inductance reduction while maintaining overall system organization.
3Volume of stationary object
If switching elements are densely arranged to reduce module size, then downsizing is achieved, but cooling uniformity and electrical performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The nested concentric pipe structure provides multiple cooling channels that can be positioned close to each switching element regardless of density. The inner and outer cooling channels create a surround-cooling effect that maintains uniform temperature distribution even when switching elements are densely arranged on the conductor pipe surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the cooling system into inner and outer independent cooling channels, each capable of providing cooling to different regions of densely packed switching elements. This segmentation allows tailored cooling coverage for high-density arrangements, ensuring uniform temperature distribution across the compact module.
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 module achieves improved cooling performance, electrical performance, and downsizing by optimizing the arrangement of switching elements and coolant flow, preventing surge voltages and ensuring uniform phase voltages and currents, while reducing component count and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a coolant flows within the inner conductor pipe, outside the projecting portion, and outside the outer conductor pipe
Implementation Method 2
a coolant flows within the inner conductor pipe, outside the projecting portion, and outside the outer conductor pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling type switching element module includes an outer conductor pipe, an inner conductor pipe that transmits electric power in conjunction with the outer conductor pipe, and first and second switching elements. The first switching elements are provided on outer surfaces of the outer conductor pipe, and the second switching elements are provided on outer surfaces of a projecting portion of the inner conductor pipe. A coolant flows within the inner conductor pipe, and outside the outer conductor pipe. The first and second switching elements are cooled from both sides by the coolant flowing within the inner conductor pipe, and by the coolant flowing outside the outer conductor pipe. By employing the above-described structure, it is possible to provide a switching element module having a cooling function, in which improved cooling performance, improved electrical performance, and downsizing are achieved.