HVDC Converter Cooling Device Corrosion Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-voltage direct current transmission systems experience corrosion of aluminum heat sinks due to chemical and electrical drivers, leading to deposit formation on control electrodes, which can clog cooling channels and impair semiconductor component cooling.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a carbon dioxide-permeable line element in the cooling line system, which allows carbon dioxide from the air to dissolve in the cooling liquid, making it more acidic and reducing aluminum hydroxide formation, combined with a control electrode system to manage electrical potentials and an ion exchanger to maintain coolant purity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If aluminum heat sinks are used in the cooling line system, then heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but corrosion and deposit formation occur due to chemical and electrical drivers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoidcorrosion resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces control electrodes as intermediary components within the cooling liquid to manage electrical potentials. These electrodes act as mediators that prevent direct electrical corrosion between aluminum heat sinks and other metallic components by establishing controlled potential gradients, thereby reducing corrosion while maintaining heat dissipation efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameter of the cooling liquid by controlling pH levels and adding specific chemicals to inhibit aluminum corrosion. By adjusting these chemical parameters, the system prevents corrosion and deposit formation on control electrodes while preserving the heat dissipation capability of aluminum heat sinks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If control electrodes are arranged within the cooling liquid to manage electrical potentials, then flashover prevention is improved, but deposit formation occurs on the control electrodes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflashover preventionVSAvoiddeposit formation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces flow direction control elements as intermediaries that manipulate the cooling liquid flow patterns. These elements ensure that cooling liquid flows in specific directions that reduce stagnant zones and minimize deposit accumulation on control electrodes, while the control electrodes themselves continue to provide flashover prevention by managing electrical potentials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters of the cooling liquid system by controlling flow velocity, flow direction, and turbulence characteristics. By optimizing these flow parameters, the system prevents deposit formation on control electrodes through enhanced liquid circulation and reduced sedimentation, while maintaining the electrodes' electrical potential control function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Temperature

If cooling liquid flows through the cooling line system to dissipate heat, then cooling efficiency is improved, but clogging occurs due to detached deposits forming particles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidcooling channel畅通性
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary protective measures by introducing corrosion inhibitors and pH control mechanisms before significant deposit formation occurs. Flow direction control elements are also positioned upstream to prevent particle accumulation before it can lead to clogging, thereby maintaining cooling channel patency while preserving cooling efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through flow direction control elements that respond to flow conditions and deposit formation tendencies. By continuously adjusting flow patterns based on system conditions, the system prevents clogging while maintaining efficient heat dissipation through optimized cooling liquid circulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Prevents deposit formation on control electrodes, reduces corrosion, and ensures reliable cooling of power semiconductor components by maintaining coolant purity and acidity, thus preventing clogging and ensuring efficient heat dissipation.

Implementation Method 1

The cooling line system has at least one line element which is permeable to carbon dioxide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

allows carbon dioxide from the air to dissolve in the cooling liquid, making it more acidic

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 3

These control electrodes apply the desired electrical potential of the immediate environment to the cooling liquid in the cooling line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical potential control: Electric Field

Implementation Method 4

an ion exchanger to maintain coolant purity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 5

A cooling device is usually used to dissipate the heat loss of the power semiconductor components. This cooling device has, for example, a plurality of heat sinks which are in thermal contact with the power semiconductor components

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3046144B1Cooling device for a converter of a high voltage direct current transmission system
Publication Date: 2017.09.27 SIEMENS AG
  • EP3046144B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3046144B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a cooling device (1) for a converter of a high-voltage direct current transmission system, comprising at least one heat sink (2) having a cooling channel (4), a cooling water distributor (7) which is fluidically connected to the cooling channel (4) via a heat sink supply line (8), wherein the cooling channel (4), the cooling water distributor (7) and the heat sink supply line (8) are permeated with a cooling fluid and are part of a cooling line system (5) of the cooling device (1), and with at least one control electrode (16) which is arranged at least partially within the cooling fluid, wherein the cooling line system (5) has at least one conductor element (10) which is permeable to carbon dioxide.