Power Conversion Device Base Plate Convex Hull Heat Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current power conversion devices for electric vehicles face challenges in heat dissipation, which affects their efficiency and reliability, particularly in high-power applications.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a power conversion device with a base plate convex hull and coolant channels that allow direct contact between coolant and the base plate, enhancing heat dissipation through the base plate convex hull, along with strategically located fins and an auxiliary circuit board module to optimize heat management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If traditional cooling structures are used in power conversion devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the heat dissipation rate is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation rateVSAvoidcooling structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base plate serves dual functions as both a structural support component and a heat dissipation component. The coolant channels are integrated directly into the base plate structure, merging the cooling system with the mechanical support structure, thereby improving heat dissipation without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a three-dimensional coolant channel network within the base plate, transitioning from traditional two-dimensional surface cooling to volumetric cooling. This dimensional change enables more effective heat removal by distributing coolant throughout the base plate structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Power

If high-power converters are used to increase power density, then the power conversion capability is improved, but the heat generation increases and affects reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower conversion capabilityVSAvoiddevice reliability under high power
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coolant acts as an intermediary heat transfer medium between the high-power converter modules and the external environment. The coolant channels provide a dedicated thermal pathway that mediates the heat transfer process, allowing high-power operation while maintaining reliability through effective thermal management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the thermal parameters of the system by introducing active coolant flow with controlled temperature and flow rate. This parameter change enables the system to handle higher power densities by dynamically adjusting the cooling capacity to match the heat generation from high-power converters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Temperature

If coolant channels are added to improve heat dissipation, then the heat dissipation rate is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation rateVSAvoidmanufacturing ease of base plate
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The base plate is segmented into functional zones with coolant channels distributed throughout. This segmentation allows the cooling function to be integrated into the base plate manufacturing process itself, rather than requiring separate assembly of cooling components, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity while improving heat dissipation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 effectively delivers heat away from the converter module, improving the power conversion device's heat dissipation rate and overall performance, reducing thermal resistance and increasing power density.

Implementation Method 1

since the coolant flowing in the first coolant channel can be directly in contact with the base plate convex hull, when the converter module located in the concave recess operates, the heat generated can be effectively delivered away by the coolant though the base plate convex hull

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the coolant flowing in the first coolant channel can be directly in contact with the base plate convex hull... the heat generated can be effectively delivered away by the coolant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3163991B1Power conversion device
Publication Date: 2019.01.02 DELTA ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
  • EP3163991B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3163991B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3163991B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power conversion device includes a casing, a middle plate and a converter module. The casing includes a base plate. The base plate has a concave recess therein. The base plate forms a base plate convex hull at a side opposite to the concave recess. The middle plate has a middle plate groove therein. The middle plate groove corresponds to the base plate convex hull. The middle plate and the base plate combine up, such that the base plate convex hull fluidly seals the middle plate groove, making the middle plate groove to form a first coolant channel. The converter module is at least partially located in the concave recess.