High Voltage Switch Cooling via Inclined Sandwich Fins
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-voltage switches face limitations in current-carrying capacity due to heat generation from ohmic losses, which restricts operating temperature and current ratings, especially in high-current applications like generator shunts and gas-insulated switchgear.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a cooling system with cooling fins arranged in a sandwich configuration relative to a mounting plate, creating inclined cooling channels that enhance airflow and heat dissipation, independent of external disturbances like wind and solar radiation, and a heat spreader for even heat distribution, allowing for increased current-carrying capacity within unchanged dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cooling fins are arranged directly on the outside of the metal case forming a right angle with the outside, then the structure is simple, but the cooling efficiency is reduced and the cooling elements are exposed to environmental contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fins are arranged parallel to the mounting plate surface rather than perpendicular to it, representing a dimensional reorientation. This allows the cooling channels to be inclined relative to the horizontal, creating a chimney effect that improves natural convection cooling efficiency while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling fins are nested between two groups of cooling channels arranged in a sandwich configuration. This nested arrangement allows the cooling elements to be protected from direct environmental exposure while still maintaining effective heat dissipation through the inclined channel design
2Device complexity
If cooling fins are arranged directly on the outside of the metal case, then the structure is simple, but the cooling elements are exposed to environmental disturbances like wind and solar radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fins are positioned between two groups of cooling channels in a sandwich arrangement, effectively nesting the cooling fins within a protective structure. This reduces direct exposure to environmental harmful factors such as contamination, excessive solar radiation, and debris while maintaining cooling effectiveness through the inclined channel design
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling channels act as an intermediary structure between the external environment and the cooling fins. The inclined channels guide airflow and protect the cooling fins from direct environmental exposure while still allowing effective heat dissipation
3Volume of stationary object
If the switch dimensions are unchanged, then the compactness is maintained, but the current-carrying capacity is limited due to heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the cooling fins by arranging them parallel to the mounting plate and creating inclined cooling channels. This parameter change improves the heat dissipation efficiency, allowing higher current-carrying capacity within the same switch dimensions by effectively managing the heat generated from ohmic losses
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined cooling channels create a chimney effect that converts the natural buoyancy of heated air into a beneficial upward flow. This self-enhancing convection current improves heat dissipation efficiency without requiring additional energy input, enabling higher current capacity within the same volume
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 configuration improves cooling efficiency, reduces environmental exposure and contamination of cooling elements, and achieves higher heat dissipation, enabling higher rated currents to be carried safely and efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
the arrangement of the cooling ducts, which is inclined relative to the horizontal, results in a chimney effect. Heated air flowing out at the upper end of the cooling channels is continuously replaced by cool ambient air, which is sucked in at the lower end of the cooling channels
Implementation Method 2
The heat generated in the phase conductor is supplied to the cooler by the air present in the encapsulation
Implementation Method 3
Heat given off by condensation of the steam is absorbed by the cooler and released into the ambient air via the cooling fins
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The switch has a cooling element i.e. heat pipe, with a cooler (K), which is attached on an assembly plate (22) and has cooling fins (41). A part of the cooling fins is arranged in a cooling block (40). The part of the cooling fins is arranged parallel to the assembly plate, and is retained at a heat distributor (42) such that a group of cooling channels (43) is formed at both sides of the distributor. The channels are arranged in the sides of the distributor according to a sandwich design and are inclinedly aligned opposite to a horizontal line, where the distributor is formed as a plate.