Integrated Coldplate With Component Pockets for Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard coldplates used in electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles are inadequate for effectively dissipating the heat generated by electrical components such as transformers and inductors, necessitating an improved design for enhanced heat dissipation.
Innovation Solution
A coldplate design comprising two members that form a manifold to receive a fluid for cooling, with each member having a pocket sized to surround specific electrical components, providing physical integration and improved heat dissipation through fluid circulation and increased surface area via fins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If standard coldplates are used for cooling electrical components, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the heat dissipation effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical component housing function with the coldplate cooling function into a single integrated structure. The coldplate members themselves form pockets that surround and house the electrical components, eliminating the need for separate housings and fasteners. This integration directly improves heat dissipation effectiveness while managing structural complexity by combining functions rather than adding separate components.
2Reliability
If separate housings and fasteners are used for electrical components, then the components are securely mounted, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coldplate members are designed with integrated pockets that directly surround and secure the electrical components. The pockets are formed as integral parts of the coldplate members themselves, eliminating the need for separate housing components and fasteners. This reduces manufacturing steps, lowers assembly complexity, and maintains secure mounting of components while reducing overall manufacturing cost.
3Temperature
If electrical components are not physically integrated into the coldplate, then the coldplate design is simpler, but the heat dissipation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coldplate members are designed with localized pockets in specific regions where electrical components are mounted. These pockets provide direct thermal contact and surround the components that generate the most heat, focusing the cooling effect where it is most needed. This localized approach improves heat dissipation efficiency without requiring complex integration throughout the entire coldplate structure.
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 design effectively integrates electrical components within the coldplate, facilitating efficient heat dissipation and reducing the need for separate housings and fasteners, thereby enhancing cooling performance and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The first coldplate member and the second coldplate member are adapted to be joined together to form a manifold therebetween for receiving a fluid for use in cooling the electrical component
Data Source
AI summary
A coldplate for use in cooling electrical components may include first and second coldplate members, each having a pocket and a secondary portion. The pocket of each member is configured to receive an electrical component and sized to substantially surround the component when received in the pocket to provide physical integration of the component in the coldplate member. The first and second coldplate members are adapted to be joined together to form a manifold therebetween for receiving a fluid for use in cooling the electrical components. The secondary portion of each coldplate member is arranged substantially opposite the pocket of the other coldplate member when the coldplate members are joined together.