Radial Hexagonal Inverter for Motor Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-phase inverters for motor systems face challenges in coupling with cylindrical motors due to shape differences and have complex power connection structures, which complicates the supply of three-phase power and results in inefficient cooling, especially for high-voltage applications, leading to increased size and weight.
Innovation Solution
A three-phase inverter design with radially arranged power modules and capacitors forming a hexagonal shape, where each output unit includes a power module, cooler, and capacitor, allowing for simultaneous cooling and reduced size, with a bus bar system for efficient power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If power modules and capacitors are arranged in a conventional layout, then the inverter can supply three-phase power to the motor, but the coupling structure with the motor becomes complicated and the inverter size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies radial arrangement of power modules and capacitors around a central axis, forming a cylindrical/ hexagonal structure that matches the motor's cylindrical shape. This curved radial layout simplifies the coupling interface between inverter and motor while reducing overall volume compared to conventional planar arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it simplifies motor coupling, reduces inverter size, improves cooling efficiency through centralized cooler placement, and enables efficient power distribution. The hexagonal arrangement in particular optimizes both structural compactness and thermal management.
2Temperature
If conventional cooling methods are used for high-voltage power supply, then the inverter can operate, but cooling efficiency is insufficient and inverter size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function with the structural design by placing coolers in the radial arrangement to simultaneously cool multiple power modules and capacitors. The centralized cooler structure in the radial layout improves heat dissipation efficiency while reducing the total volume required for cooling components compared to conventional distributed cooling systems.
3Ease of operation
If three-phase power is supplied to radial positions in the motor, then the motor can be driven, but the power connection structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The radial arrangement of output units around a central axis creates a natural correspondence with the motor's radial power requirements. This curved radial layout aligns the inverter's power output positions with the motor's input positions, simplifying the connection structure and making power supply more straightforward compared to conventional planar arrangements.
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 simplifies the coupling with motors, reduces the inverter's size and weight, enhances cooling efficiency, and minimizes the size and weight of capacitors, enabling easier power supply and improved performance in high-voltage applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first cooler installed to the first frame to cool the first power module and the first and third capacitors
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a three-phase inverter system for a motor, which supplies three-phase power to a motor. The three-phase inverter system includes first, second, and third output units, and first, second, and third capacitors configured to supply power to the respective first, second, and third output units. The first output unit, the first capacitor, the second output unit, the second capacitor, the third output unit, and the third capacitor are radially arranged to form a hexagonal shape.