Integrated Cooling for Energy Conversion Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical machines and power electronic circuitry generate thermal energy and electromagnetic interference, leading to performance deterioration and increased complexity in cooling and interference issues.
Innovation Solution
An energy conversion apparatus with a heat pipe and cooling arrangement that integrates thermal energy management, using a heat pipe within the rotor and power electronic circuitry cavities, and a cooling arrangement with fins and a pump to efficiently transfer heat and reduce electromagnetic interference by sharing cooling resources between the electrical machine and power electronic circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate cooling systems are used for electrical machine and power electronic circuitry, then each component can be cooled independently, but the overall system complexity and material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling systems for the electrical machine and power electronic circuitry into a single integrated cooling arrangement. The cooling fluid flows through channels in both the electrical machine housing and power electronic circuitry housing, allowing simultaneous cooling of both components through one system, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining effective cooling of both heat-generating components.
2Ease of operation
If extensive cabling is used to electrically connect electrical machine and power electronic circuitry, then electrical connections can be established, but electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connections from traditional extensive cabling and replaces them with inductive coupling between the electrical machine and power electronic circuitry. This allows electrical energy transfer without direct physical connections, significantly reducing electromagnetic interference while maintaining operational functionality.
3Temperature
If traditional cooling arrangements are used without integrated thermal management, then cooling can be provided, but thermal energy from multiple sources accumulates and deteriorates performance
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling arrangement is designed with multi-functionality to handle thermal energy from multiple sources. It cools the electrical machine through channels in its housing, cools the power electronic circuitry through channels in its housing, and utilizes the heat pipe to manage thermal energy from the rotor. This integrated approach prevents thermal accumulation and maintains optimal operating temperatures for all components.
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 solution enhances thermal management, reduces material and cabling needs, increases power density, and minimizes electromagnetic interference by integrating cooling systems within the energy conversion apparatus, improving performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pipe positioned within the first cavity of the rotor and within the second cavity defined by the power electronic circuitry, the heat pipe being arranged to receive thermal energy from the rotor
Implementation Method 2
a cooling arrangement positioned at least partially within the second cavity and axially overlapping the power electronic circuitry, the cooling arrangement being arranged to receive thermal energy from the power electronic circuitry and from the heat pipe
Implementation Method 3
The cooling arrangement may comprise a pump to cause the cooling fluid to flow from the inlet to the outlet
Implementation Method 4
the cooling arrangement further comprising a plurality of first fins extending from the heat pipe into the second cavity
Data Source
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AI summary
Energy conversion apparatus comprising: an electrical machine including a rotor arranged to rotate about an axis, the rotor defining a first cavity therein; power electronic circuitry arranged at least partially around the axis and defining a second cavity therein, the power electronic circuitry being positioned adjacent to the electrical machine; a heat pipe positioned within the first cavity of the rotor and within the second cavity defined by the power electronic circuitry, the heat pipe being arranged to receive thermal energy from the rotor; and a cooling arrangement positioned at least partially within the second cavity and arranged to receive thermal energy from the power electronic circuitry and from the heat pipe.