Method and devices for temperature control of power electronics on an air conditioning and/or heating system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning and heating systems face challenges in effectively regulating the temperature of power electronics, leading to unnecessary power reduction or shutdowns due to overheating, which can result in reduced system availability, comfort issues, and potential damage, as current cooling mechanisms operate independently of power electronics' temperature control.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a central control and regulation unit to monitor and adjust the temperature and flow rate of the heat transfer medium or refrigerant at the cooling point, taking into account the temperature of the power electronics, allowing for proactive cooling measures to prevent overheating, such as adjusting the flow velocity or heat supply, to maintain optimal operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cooling of power electronics is operated as a simple separate control loop that continues to be activated if a specified maximum value is threatened to be exceeded, then the power electronics are protected against overheating, but the system responds with power reduction or shutdown which reduces system availability and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power electronics temperature control with the overall system control by integrating the temperature sensor into the central control unit. This allows the cooling control to consider system-wide conditions rather than operating independently, enabling more intelligent decision-making that balances protection with system availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control approach transitions from a static, simple on/off cooling control to a dynamic control that continuously adapts cooling intensity based on real-time temperature measurements and system conditions. The control unit can modulate cooling intensity to match actual thermal demands, preventing unnecessary shutdowns while ensuring protection.
2Temperature
If the power of power electronics is reduced by at least 10 to 50% to prevent overheating, then the maximum temperature is avoided, but the system performance is unnecessarily reduced and availability is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from binary power reduction (on/off or fixed percentage) to continuous temperature-based control. By monitoring actual temperature and adjusting cooling intensity dynamically, the system maintains power electronics within safe temperature ranges without requiring arbitrary power reductions, thus preserving system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where temperature measurements from the power electronics are continuously fed back to the control unit. This closed-loop control enables real-time adjustment of cooling intensity based on actual thermal conditions, preventing overheating while avoiding unnecessary power reductions that would occur with open-loop or threshold-based control.
3Temperature
If the cooling intensity is increased by changing air flow or refrigerant flow to prevent overheating, then temperature control is improved, but the cooling operates independently of system conditions leading to inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the cooling system multi-functional by integrating it into the overall system control architecture. The same control unit that manages system-wide operations also controls cooling intensity, allowing the cooling function to leverage system-wide information and coordinate with other system functions, thereby improving overall efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit can take preliminary actions by anticipating thermal loads based on system operating conditions. By monitoring system state and predicting when power electronics will generate significant heat, the control system can proactively adjust cooling intensity before temperatures reach critical levels, improving efficiency by avoiding reactive, high-intensity cooling.
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 approach minimizes the need for power reduction or shutdown by proactively managing the cooling of power electronics, thereby reducing the frequency of internal protective measures and ensuring the system operates at maximum capacity while preventing overheating.
Implementation Method 1
the power electronics are cooled at a cooling point in the system by a heat transfer medium or refrigerant flowing in the system
Implementation Method 2
a heat transfer medium or refrigerant flowing in the system
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling the temperature of power electronics (18) in a system (1) carrying a heat transfer medium or a refrigerant, namely an air conditioning and/or heating system (1), with a central control unit (17) for controlling the temperature and/or flow rate in the system (1), wherein the power electronics (18) is cooled at a cooling point (23; 24; 25; 26) in the system (1) by a heat transfer medium or refrigerant flowing in the system (1), and wherein a measured value of the temperature of the power electronics (18) is supplied to the control unit (17) and is taken into account by it when controlling the temperature and/or the flow rate in the system (1) and thus at the cooling point (23; 24; 25; 26).The invention makes it possible to largely avoid overheating of power electronics (18) and the resulting shutdown or reduction of power by changing the control of a system (1), or at least to be able to access the maximum possible power in a given special situation.