Passive Liquid Cooling for Electric Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for electric devices in vehicles are inefficient, bulky, and costly, requiring active conditioning that reduces overall efficiency and increases vehicle operating costs due to power consumption and maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A passive fluid conditioning system using a thermally conductive and electrically insulating liquid, such as oils or phase change materials, is integrated into the housing of electric devices to provide effective cooling by submerging the devices partially or entirely, allowing for efficient heat dissipation without the need for active systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If free air cooling is used for electric devices in housing, then the cooling system is simple and requires no additional power, but the temperature continuously increases and cooling effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a passive heat exchanger as an intermediary element between the electric device and the external environment. This heat exchanger facilitates thermal energy transfer from the device to the surrounding air through conduction and convection, enabling effective cooling without requiring additional power input or active cooling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the heat generated by the electric device through a dedicated heat exchanger structure that is thermally coupled to the device housing. By separating the heat dissipation function from the device housing itself, the system achieves effective cooling while maintaining the device's operational integrity and electrical isolation.
2Productivity
If active conditioning systems are used to cool electric devices, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but power consumption increases and overall vehicle efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service cooling system where the heat exchanger passively dissipates heat from the electric device using natural convection and conduction mechanisms. The system automatically maintains thermal equilibrium without requiring external power input, control systems, or active cooling components, thereby eliminating the trade-off between cooling effectiveness and power consumption.
3Temperature
If active conditioning systems are used for cooling, then temperature control is improved, but the system becomes bulky and vehicle useful space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat exchanger functionality with the existing device housing structure. The heat exchanger is integrated into the housing design, utilizing the housing walls and surfaces as part of the thermal management system. This integration eliminates the need for separate, bulky cooling components while maintaining effective temperature control of the electric device.
4Productivity
If active conditioning systems are implemented, then cooling performance is enhanced, but maintenance requirements increase and vehicle operating costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The passive heat exchanger system requires no maintenance as it has no moving parts, seals, or active components that can fail. The system operates continuously based on fundamental thermal conduction and convection principles, eliminating the need for regular servicing, fluid changes, or component replacements associated with active cooling systems.
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 passive cooling system maintains electric device temperatures below safety thresholds, enhances heat dissipation capacity, and reduces vehicle size and weight, offering a cost-effective and compact solution for cooling electric devices in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid fluid (5) which is thermally conductive and electrically insulating
Implementation Method 2
passive fluid conditioning system using a thermally conductive and electrically insulating liquid
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A vehicle equipped with a cooling system for an electric device (1), comprising a box (2) suitable for defining a space (3) suitable for housing the electric device (1) and a mechanical connection (4) for mechanically connecting the electric device (1) to said box (2), the cooling system comprising a liquid fluid (5) housed hermetically in the space (3) of the box (2) so as to submerge, at least partially, the electric device (1).