Power Module Liquid Cooling Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power electronics systems, particularly those using IGBTs, face insufficient cooling, which hampers the efficient operation and heat management of transistors in complex circuit assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A power module design featuring a layered structure with a plurality of ribs between a baseplate and a third layer, allowing for direct fluid flow and improved heat dissipation, where the ribs are in contact with a cold plate and provide both mechanical and electrical grounding, enhancing cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a traditional cold plate with grease layer is used for cooling, then the structure is simple, but the cooling efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The baseplate is segmented into multiple ribs that extend upward, creating multiple cooling channels. This segmentation allows cooling fluid to flow through distinct pathways, increasing the surface area for heat transfer and improving cooling efficiency without requiring a completely different structural approach
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling structure transitions from a traditional flat cold plate to a three-dimensional ribbed configuration. The ribs extend vertically from the baseplate, creating channels in the vertical dimension that allow cooling fluid to flow around and cool multiple surfaces, thereby improving cooling efficiency through increased surface area exposure
2Temperature
If direct fluid flow channels are created through ribs, then heat dissipation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channels are merged into the baseplate structure itself through the rib configuration, rather than being separate components. The ribs form the walls of the cooling channels, combining the structural support function with the heat dissipation function in a single integrated component, which improves heat dissipation while avoiding the complexity of assembling separate cooling channels
Solution Approach 2:
The ribs serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support to the baseplate, define the cooling channels for fluid flow, and increase the surface area for heat transfer. This multi-functionality allows the same structural elements to improve heat dissipation without adding separate manufacturing steps or components
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 significantly improves heat management and cooling efficiency by facilitating direct fluid circulation around the ribs, effectively addressing the insufficiencies in prior art cooling methods.
Implementation Method 1
The module is configured to allow fluid to flow between the third layer and the baseplate and around the plurality of ribs
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of ribs are positioned between the third layer and the baseplate
Data Source
AI summary
A module has a first layer with a plurality of transistors mounted thereon. Circuit traces are configured to communicate current between the transistors outwardly of the module. A second layer is in operable communication with the first layer. A third layer is in operable communication with the second layer. A baseplate is in grounded communication with the third layer. A plurality of ribs are positioned between the third layer and the baseplate. The module is configured to allow fluid to flow between the third layer and the baseplate and around the plurality of ribs. A motor drive and a method are also disclosed.