Microturbine Power Electronics Assembly With Direct Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microturbine generators face challenges in efficiently integrating power electronics to manage the conversion of mechanical energy into usable electricity, often resulting in complex and inefficient systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact power electronics assembly is proposed, incorporating a motor controller and a bidirectional DC/AC inverter mounted on a PCB, along with modular energy storage connected via a DC bus, all enclosed within a housing with an integrated cooling system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If power electronics are integrated into a compact assembly with direct mounting on PCB and enclosed housing, then system power density is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power electronics components (motor controller, bidirectional DC/AC inverter, energy storage modules) into a single integrated power electronics assembly. These components are directly mounted on a PCB and enclosed within a common housing, eliminating the need for separate cable connections and external mounting structures. This merging of components achieves the technical effect of eliminating cables and reducing impedance while improving system power density through compact integration.
2Temperature
If cooling plate is directly abutting the motor controller and inverter, then heat dissipation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling plate is nested directly within the power electronics assembly housing, positioned to be in direct thermal contact with the motor controller and inverter components. This nested arrangement allows the cooling plate to abut the power electronic components for efficient heat dissipation while being contained within the same housing structure, thereby improving thermal management without requiring additional external mounting space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular energy storage is electrically connected via DC bus, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is divided into multiple modular energy storage modules that can be independently connected to the DC bus. Each module can be separately configured, installed, and maintained, allowing flexible adaptation to different power requirements. The modular design enables scalable energy storage capacity while maintaining a unified electrical connection through the DC bus within the integrated assembly.
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 enhances system power density by eliminating cables, reducing impedance, and enabling modular energy storage configuration, leading to a more efficient and compact power electronics system for microturbine generators.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling plate directly abutting the motor controller and the bidirectional DC/AC inverter
Data Source
AI summary
A microturbine generator including a power electronics assembly, including a motor controller and a DC/AC inverter mounted on a PCB, configured to electrically couple to a turbine assembly having a turbine and an electrical generator coupled via a shaft; and a cooling plate directly abutting the motor controller and the DC/AC inverter, wherein the power electronics assembly and cooling plate are enclosed within a housing.