Parallel Power Module Cooling Module with Serial-Parallel Water Passages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling modules for parallel type power modules in inverters face reduced flow rate and increased thermal resistance, leading to higher water temperatures at the outlet, which restrict the maximum temperature and efficiency of semiconductor switches in eco-friendly vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A cooling module employing a serial-parallel combined cooling method, where multiple cooling water passages with serial configurations are arranged in parallel to enhance flow rate and reduce thermal resistance, with specific passages and support blocks designed to optimize contact with power module surfaces and manage pressure loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If parallel cooling passages are used to cool multiple power modules, then the cooling coverage is improved, but the flow rate per passage is reduced and thermal resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling module divides the cooling system into multiple independent cooling passages (first cooling passage, second cooling passage, etc.), each dedicated to cooling specific power modules. This segmentation allows each passage to maintain sufficient flow rate while collectively covering all power modules, resolving the contradiction between cooling coverage and thermal resistance.
2Area of stationary object
If parallel cooling passages are used to cool multiple power modules, then the cooling coverage is improved, but the flow rate per passage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple dedicated passages, each handling a portion of the total cooling load. This allows the total flow rate to be distributed across multiple passages rather than divided among them, maintaining adequate flow velocity in each passage while achieving comprehensive cooling coverage.
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 increases the flow rate per cooling water passage, reduces thermal resistance, and balances water temperature rise across phases, enhancing the cooling performance and reducing the number of power modules needed, thereby lowering overall costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first cooling water passage having a passage through which cooling water flows and configured to be brought into contact with an upper surface and a lower surface of a power module disposed at a first row
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling module for a parallel type power module of an inverter may include parallel type power modules configured to be disposed in three or more columns and rows, wherein three parallel type power modules are disposed to correspond to U, V, and W phases of the inverter in the three or more rows in each of the three or more columns, a first cooling water passage having a passage through which cooling water flows and configured to be brought into contact with an upper surface and a lower surface of a power module disposed at a first row, and a second cooling water passage having a passage through which the cooling water flows and configured to be brought into contact with an upper surface and a lower surface of a power module disposed at a third row.