Electric Vehicle Power Converter Cooling Air Path Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel cell motorcycles have an inefficient cooling structure for DC-DC converters, as heat radiation fins are exposed to wind, leading to increased air resistance and reduced cooling efficiency due to insufficient airflow.
Innovation Solution
An electric vehicle design with a frame and exterior that creates a longitudinal cooling air path for the power converter, featuring heat radiation fins that project inwardly, with some fins closer to the exterior surface than others, and a recessed portion to enhance airflow and heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat radiation fins are exposed to travelling wind, then heat dissipation is enhanced, but air resistance increases and cooling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different airflow conditions at different locations. The cooling air path is specifically designed to guide air flow along the heat radiation fins, while other areas experience different airflow characteristics. This localized optimization allows efficient cooling where needed without unnecessary air resistance elsewhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cooling air path as an intermediary structure between the heat radiation fins and the external environment. This mediator guides and optimizes airflow, allowing heat dissipation while controlling air resistance. The cooling air path acts as a channel that mediates the interaction between the fins and travelling wind.
2Temperature
If heat radiation fins are placed in the cooling air path, then cooling efficiency is improved, but air detours around the fins increasing air resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the longitudinal dimension of the vehicle by extending heat radiation fins in the longitudinal direction along the cooling air path. This dimensional arrangement allows air to flow parallel to the fins rather than forcing detours, as the fins are oriented to match the primary airflow direction created by vehicle motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of heat radiation fins within the cooling air path. The fins are positioned and oriented asymmetrically to optimize airflow patterns, allowing air to efficiently pass along the fins without symmetric detours. This asymmetric configuration reduces air resistance while maintaining effective cooling.
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 efficiently and reliably cools the power converter by optimizing airflow and heat exchange, improving cooling performance without additional components.
Implementation Method 1
heat radiation fins projecting toward an inner surface of the exterior
Implementation Method 2
cooling air path between with the power converter to allow cooling air to flow the cooling air path
Data Source
AI summary
An electric vehicle capable of efficiently and reliably cooling a power converter disposed inside an exterior. The electric vehicle includes a frame extending in a longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle, a power converter being long in the longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle along the frame, and an exterior extending in the longitudinal direction to cover the frame and the power converter, the exterior defining a cooling air path between the power converter to allow cooling air to flow the cooling air path. The power converter includes a plurality of heat radiation fins extending in the longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle in the cooling air path, the heat radiation fins protruding toward an inner surface of the exterior. Some of the heat radiation fins are closer to the inner surface of the exterior than the other heat radiation fins.