Motor-Integrated Inverter Cooler Layout for Axial Power Module Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motor driving systems face challenges in efficiently cooling power modules when the motor size increases, as the installation position and structure of the inverter need to change, and cooling the power module mounted in the direction of the motor shaft is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A motor-integrated inverter with a double-structured cooler, where the power module is positioned between outer and inner side parts that communicate with each other, allowing refrigerant to flow through both sides to efficiently cool the power modules, maintaining the same connection structure even if the motor size increases horizontally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the motor size increases in the lateral direction, then the motor can provide higher torque, but the installation position and connection structure of the inverter must change
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter is repositioned from the upper portion of the motor to the shaft end position, utilizing the axial direction instead of the lateral direction. This dimensional change allows the inverter to be coupled in the direction in which the motor shaft extends, maintaining a consistent connection structure regardless of motor size increases in the lateral direction.
2Device complexity
If the inverter is coupled in the direction in which the motor shaft extends, then the connection structure remains consistent, but the power module cannot be efficiently cooled
Solution Approach 1:
The cooler is divided into an outer side part and an inner side part that are spaced apart from each other in the direction in which the motor shaft extends, forming a double structure. The power module is disposed between these two parts, allowing refrigerant to flow through both the outer side part and inner side part, thereby efficiently cooling the power module from multiple directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner side part of the cooler is positioned within the space defined by the outer side part, creating a nested configuration. The power module is disposed between the outer side part and inner side part, allowing the refrigerant to flow through both parts and cool the power module effectively while maintaining a compact 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
This design enhances cooling efficiency by allowing refrigerant to flow through multiple power modules from both sides, reducing the need for design changes and improving cooling performance, especially in systems with multiple power modules.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerant introduced through the inlet port flows through the inside of the outer side part and the inside of the inner side part and is then discharged through the outlet port
Data Source
AI summary
A motor-integrated inverter coupled in a shaft direction of a motor is provided, the motor-integrated inverter including: a power module generating driving electric power for driving the motor; and a cooler arranged to avoid an extension line of the shaft of the motor, the cooler including an outer side part and an inner side part communicating with each other while being spaced apart from each other in a direction in which the shaft of the motor extends, thereby defining a double structure, wherein the power module is disposed between the outer side part and the inner side part, the outer side part has an inlet port provided at one side thereof such that a refrigerant is introduced, the outer side part has an outlet port provided at the other side thereof such that a refrigerant is discharged to the outside.