Power Conversion Apparatus With Internal Housing Coolant Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power conversion apparatuses face challenges in cooling efficiency due to the external placement of connecting coolant passages, which increases housing size and limits flexibility and versatility, especially in applications where space is constrained.
Innovation Solution
The power conversion apparatus incorporates a connecting coolant passage formed within the housing's inner wall, allowing for efficient cooling without enlarging the housing size, and features a lid portion with cooling fins and modular design for easy replacement and enhanced versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the connecting coolant passage is provided outside the housing, then the coolers can be connected, but the size of the housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connecting coolant passage with the housing structure by forming the passage directly within the housing body. This integration eliminates the need for separate external passages, thereby reducing housing size while maintaining the cooling function. The coolant passage is formed as an internal channel that connects the first cooler and second cooler through the housing material itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the second power converter is mounted inside the second housing portion serving as the second cooler, then the integration is improved, but it becomes difficult to form cooling fins and alter cooler size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the housing into distinct portions: the second housing portion serves as the second cooler with integrated power converter, while the lid portion is separated and equipped with cooling fins. This segmentation allows the cooling fins to be formed on the lid portion independently, maintaining manufacturing ease while achieving high integration within the housing. The lid portion can be detached for fin formation or replacement without affecting the integrated power converter in the second housing portion.
3Volume of moving object
If the connecting coolant passage is formed in the inner wall of the housing, then the housing size is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the housing material or formation process to enable internal passage creation. By modifying the housing structure during manufacturing (such as through casting, molding, or drilling operations), the connecting coolant passage is formed directly within the housing material. This approach, while requiring specialized manufacturing parameters, achieves compact housing design by eliminating external passages.
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 enhances cooling efficiency, reduces housing size, improves structural strength, and simplifies maintenance by allowing for direct cooling of components and easy replacement of electronic components, thereby increasing the apparatus's versatility and flexibility in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first cooler configured to cool a power module, a second cooler configured to cool at least one electronic component... a connecting coolant passage... configured to connect the first cooler to the second cooler
Implementation Method 2
the lid portion of the power conversion apparatus may have at least one cooling fin on a face opposite to a mounting face of the lid portion
Data Source
AI summary
A power conversion device includes a first cooler configured to cool a power module, a second cooler configured to cool at least one electronic component, and a housing configured to house the first cooler and the second cooler. The power conversion device also includes a connecting coolant passage formed in an inner wall of the housing such that the connecting coolant passage connects the first cooler to the second cooler. The power conversion device can have the connecting coolant passage formed in the housing, without enlarging a size of the housing. The strength of a side wall of the housing is enhanced because the connecting coolant passage is formed in the inner wall of the housing.