Isolated Cooling Channels to Prevent Fan Backflow Loops

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Solution Overview

Problem

In existing energy storage systems, when one power device fails, the gas flow in the heat dissipation channel is disrupted, leading to backflow and reduced heat dissipation efficiency for other functioning power devices due to interconnected air outlets and inlets.

Innovation Solution

A heat dissipation apparatus with isolation components coupled to the air inlets and outlets of each heat generating component, isolating them from adjacent components to prevent backflow and maintain efficient gas flow, using fans to direct airflow through isolation components to the outside.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If heat dissipation channels of multiple power devices are interconnected to share cooling resources, then device complexity is reduced and space is saved, but when one device fails, backflow occurs causing heat dissipation efficiency to deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation channel structureVSAvoidheat dissipation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the heat dissipation system into independent segments by introducing isolation components (isolation boards and sealed structures) that separate adjacent heat dissipation channels. Each channel becomes an independent flow path with its own air inlet and air outlet, preventing cross-contamination of airflow between channels while maintaining individual cooling effectiveness even when one channel fails.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The isolation component acts as an intermediary element between adjacent heat dissipation channels. It includes an isolation board with a first air inlet and a second air outlet, where the first air inlet communicates with the air outlet of one heat dissipation channel and the second air outlet communicates with the air inlet of another heat dissipation channel. This intermediary structure directs airflow through a linear path and prevents backflow into adjacent channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If air outlets of adjacent heat dissipation channels are directly connected to simplify structure, then manufacturing is easier, but gas flow back to other channels causing heat derating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation channel connectionVSAvoidbackflow and heat derating
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The isolation component is pre-configured with a linear airflow path arrangement where the first air inlet, first air outlet, second air inlet, and second air outlet are positioned on the same straight line. This preliminary structural design ensures that airflow naturally follows the intended path from one channel to the next without deviation or backflow, preventing harmful effects before they can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If isolation components are added to prevent backflow, then heat dissipation reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoidisolation component structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The isolation component is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it isolates adjacent heat dissipation channels to prevent backflow, directs airflow through a linear path, and can be constructed using standardized sealed structures and isolation boards. This multi-functional design reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving reliable backflow prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 the formation of loops between working and non-working fans, ensuring continuous and efficient heat dissipation by isolating air pathways, thereby maintaining high heat dissipation efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a cooler fan in the heat dissipation channel continuously leads external air into the power device through an air inlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

Components of the power device exchange heat with air in the heat dissipation channel by using a channel wall body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4373232B1Heat dissipation apparatus and electric power device
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECH CO LTD
  • EP4373232B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4373232B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4373232B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Provided are a heat dissipation apparatus and an electric power device. The heat dissipation apparatus includes at least two heating components, at least two fans, and at least two isolation components. Heat dissipation channels are disposed inside the at least two heating components, and a fan is provided in each heat dissipation channel. An isolation component is coupled to an air inlet and/or an air outlet of the heat dissipation channel. The isolation component may isolate an air inlet or air outlet of each heating component from an air inlet or air outlet of another heating component, so as to avoid the following case: Heat dissipation efficiency of the heat dissipation apparatus is reduced because a loop is formed between a heat dissipation channel in which a working fan is located and a heat dissipation channel in which a non-working fan is located.