Power Conversion Device Cooling via Segmented Flow Conduits
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to create a power conversion device that can be made more compact without compromising its cooling performance, particularly when mounted on vehicle components that generate heat, such as transmissions or motors, where existing solutions fail to effectively manage thermal issues.
Innovation Solution
The power conversion device incorporates a power semiconductor module and a capacitor housed in flow conduit defining members arranged in a circular shape with non-overlapping projecting portions, allowing for efficient cooling and compact design by utilizing a first and second flow conduit defining member that house these components vertically, ensuring effective coolant flow and heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the power conversion device is mounted on a vehicle component that generates heat, then the device can be integrated into the vehicle system, but the temperature of the cooling water and surrounding temperature become high, degrading cooling performance
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into an upper housing and a lower housing that are separated by an insulating member. This segmentation isolates the power conversion device from the heat-generating vehicle component (such as a transmission), allowing the device to be integrated into the vehicle system while preventing heat transfer from degrading cooling performance
Solution Approach 2:
An insulating member is introduced as an intermediary between the power conversion device and the heat-generating vehicle component. This insulating member blocks heat transfer from the vehicle component to the cooling water, enabling integration while maintaining effective cooling
2Volume of moving object
If the device is made more compact by matching the shape of the vehicle component, then the system cost and space are reduced, but the cooling performance may be degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The flow conduit defining member extends in the vertical dimension (upward from the lower housing) to provide cooling channels. This vertical extension allows effective cooling pathways to be created within the compact horizontal footprint that matches the circular vehicle component, achieving both compactness and adequate cooling performance
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 enables a more compact power conversion device with enhanced cooling performance, effectively managing heat from vehicle components and prolonging the lifespan of components like capacitors without degrading their cooling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first flow conduit defining member (420) that defines a first flow conduit (12), and that also defines a first storage space (400) in which the power semiconductor module (300) is housed; and a second flow conduit defining member (600) that defines a second flow conduit (16), and that also defines a second storage space (601) in which the capacitor module (500) is housed
Implementation Method 2
an insulating member (250) that is interposed between the power conversion device (200) and the vehicle component (150)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
A power conversion device that can be made smaller without degradation of its cooling performance is provided. This power conversion device includes a power semiconductor module that converts DC current into AC current, a capacitor for smoothing DC power, a first flow conduit defining member for defining a first flow conduit and for defining a first storage space in which the power semiconductor module is housed, and a second flow conduit defining member for defining a second flow conduit and for defining a second storage space in which the capacitor is housed. When viewed from above the power conversion device, the first flow conduit defining member and the second flow conduit defining member are arranged so that a projecting portion of the first flow conduit defining member and a projecting portion of the second defining body do not overlap; the first flow conduit defining member is disposed beneath a plane that coincides with the lower surface of the second flow conduit defining member; and a first space, in which a vehicle component that is different from the power conversion device is disposed, is defined in a space to the side of the first flow conduit defining member and below the second flow conduit defining member.