High Voltage Terminal Cooling via Heat Pipe and Insulator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high voltage terminal cooling structures are inefficient in managing heat generated by large current flows, leading to temperature increases, and there is a need for a more effective cooling mechanism to prevent electrical leakage.

Innovation Solution

A high voltage terminal cooling structure that utilizes a heat transfer mechanism involving a heat pipe and a vapor chamber with a nonconductive working fluid and an insulator to efficiently transport heat away from the terminal while preventing electrical leakage, using a cold plate and fixing member for reliable contact and insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a ventilation mechanism is used to cool the power supply connector, then cooling function is provided, but cooling efficiency is insufficient for high voltage terminals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh voltage terminal temperatureVSAvoidcooling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical ventilation cooling system with a phase-change heat pipe system. The heat pipe uses evaporation and condensation of working fluid to transfer heat from the high voltage terminal to the heat dissipation mechanism, achieving superior cooling efficiency without mechanical moving parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a heat pipe as an intermediary heat transfer mechanism between the high voltage terminal and the heat dissipation mechanism. The heat pipe's working fluid acts as a mediator that efficiently transports heat through phase change, bridging the thermal gap between components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If a heat pipe is used to transport heat from the high voltage terminal, then cooling efficiency is improved, but electrical leakage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidelectrical insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an insulator as an intermediary component between the heat pipe and the high voltage terminal. This insulator maintains thermal contact for heat transfer while providing electrical insulation, thus resolving the contradiction between cooling efficiency and electrical safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structure combining the heat pipe (for thermal conduction) and insulator material (for electrical insulation). This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of efficient heat transfer and electrical isolation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 proposed structure effectively cools the high voltage terminal by continuously transporting heat to a cold plate, preventing electrical leakage through insulation and using a nonconductive working fluid, thereby enhancing cooling efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

at least one heat pipe which is in contact with the vapor chamber and the cold plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat pipe: Heat Pipe

Implementation Method 2

heat pipe and a vapor chamber with a nonconductive working fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 3

the heat transfer mechanism is a vapor chamber, the vapor chamber includes a container having conductivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVapor chamber:

Implementation Method 4

vapor chamber with a nonconductive working fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 5

the heat transfer mechanism may include an insulator that electrically insulates the high voltage terminal and the first heat pipe from each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP3396801B1High voltage terminal cooling structure
Publication Date: 2020.10.21 FUJIKURA LTD
  • EP3396801B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3396801B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3396801B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

A high voltage terminal cooling structure includes a high voltage terminal; at least one first heat pipe which includes a first end portion and a second end portion; a heat transfer mechanism which is in contact with both the high voltage terminal and the first end portion; and a heat dissipation mechanism which is in contact with the second end portion, wherein the heat dissipation mechanism is one selected from: a cold plate which includes an inlet and an outlet for a coolant; or a heat sink which includes a plurality of fins arranged in parallel.