Photovoltaic Inverter Airflow Segmentation for Power Unit Heat Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional photovoltaic inverters have inefficient heat dissipation due to a complex layout that prioritizes protection over ventilation, resulting in low heat dissipation efficiency for the inverter power unit.

Innovation Solution

The photovoltaic inverter design includes separate ventilating passages for the inverter power unit and reactance unit, with the inverter power unit positioned upstream to receive cold air directly, and a baffle separating these passages to manage airflow and wind pressure, enhancing heat dissipation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If air flows from lower side to upper side in a single ventilating passage, then protection level is improved, but heat dissipation efficiency of the inverter power unit deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection levelVSAvoidheat dissipation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The single ventilating passage is divided into two separate passages: a first ventilating passage for the inverter power unit and a second ventilating passage for other components. This segmentation allows independent airflow control for each component, enabling the inverter power unit to receive sufficient cooling air while maintaining protection levels through proper sealing and isolation of each passage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different airflow characteristics are provided for different components. The inverter power unit, being heat-sensitive, receives high-velocity cooling air through the first passage with optimized inlet/outlet positions. Other components use the second passage with different airflow parameters, matching their specific cooling requirements and improving overall heat dissipation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the inverter power unit is placed near the air outlet, then protection level is improved, but heat dissipation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection levelVSAvoidheat dissipation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing the heat-sensitive inverter power unit near the air outlet as in conventional designs, the invention inverts this arrangement by positioning it near the air inlet. This allows the unit to directly receive high-velocity cooling air from the inlet, dramatically improving heat dissipation efficiency while protection levels are maintained through the sealed first ventilating passage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If a single ventilating passage is used for all components, then device complexity is reduced, but heat dissipation efficiency of the inverter power unit deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayout complexityVSAvoidheat dissipation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilating system is segmented into two independent passages with separate inlet and outlet configurations. The first passage serves the inverter power unit while the second serves other components. This segmentation, while increasing structural complexity, enables optimized heat dissipation for each component type, particularly improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the inverter power unit.

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 design improves heat dissipation efficiency for the inverter power unit, reduces failure rates, and allows for a more compact and cost-effective structure by ensuring timely cooling and optimizing airflow.

Implementation Method 1

The inverter power unit is arranged upstream of the first ventilating passage in a direction in which air is inputted. The reactance unit is arranged downstream of the inverter power unit in a direction in which air flows.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 2

The second ventilating passage includes a capacitor cell side passage and a direct current side passage. A capacitor cell is arranged upstream of the capacitor cell side passage. An alternating current power distribution unit is arranged downstream of the capacitor cell side passage.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3927128B1Photovoltaic inverter
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 SUNGROW POWER SUPPLY CO LTD
  • EP3927128B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3927128B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3927128B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A photovoltaic inverter is provided. The photovoltaic inverter includes a cabinet and a power module arranged in the cabinet. The power module includes an inverter power unit, a first ventilating passage and a second ventilating passage isolated from the first ventilating passage. The inverter power unit is arranged upstream of the first ventilating passage in a direction in which air is inputted. The first ventilating passage is provided with a first air inlet and a first air outlet. The second ventilating passage is provided with a second air inlet and a second air outlet. In the photovoltaic inverter according to the present disclosure, the inverter power unit that heats up severely is provided with an independent ventilating passage for heat dissipation. In addition, the inverter power unit is arranged the upstream of the first ventilating passage in the direction in which air flows.