Railway Electronic Equipment Thermal Insulation Flange
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Solution Overview
Problem
The cooling of electrical energy converters in railway vehicles is not optimal, leading to excessive temperatures inside the structure due to heat being returned from the radiator to the electronic components via contact, exacerbated by the densification of components in smaller spaces.
Innovation Solution
A thermally insulating flange is interposed between the cooling module and the structure, made of materials like Muscotherm, to prevent heat transfer back into the structure and maximize heat evacuation to the exterior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the cooling module is placed in direct contact with the structure to evacuate heat, then heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but heat is transferred back into the structure and radiated to electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
A flange made of thermally insulating material is introduced as an intermediary element between the cooling module and the structure. This flange prevents direct thermal contact, blocking the unwanted heat transfer path from the cooling module back into the structure while still allowing mechanical mounting and heat evacuation to the exterior.
2Strength
If the structure provides mechanical support for the cooling module, then structural integrity is maintained, but it creates a thermal bridge that returns heat to the electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is designed with localized thermal insulation properties only at the critical interface between the cooling module and the structure. The insulating material is applied specifically where thermal contact would occur, providing thermal blocking exactly where needed while maintaining structural support functionality.
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 solution reduces heat transfer back into the structure, lowering internal temperatures and enhancing the efficiency of heat dissipation from the cooling module to the exterior.
Implementation Method 1
the flange is made of a thermally insulating material... reduce the transfer of heat towards the interior of the structure
Implementation Method 2
cooling module, configured to cool the electronic components by evacuating towards the outside of the structure at least part of a heat dissipated by the electronic components
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The electronic equipment of a railway vehicle comprises: - a structure, - an electronic circuit board, - a set of electronic components connected to the electronic circuit board, said electronic components being arranged inside the structure, - a cooling module, configured to cool the electronic components by dissipating at least some of the heat dissipated by the electronic components to the outside of the structure, said cooling module being arranged outside the structure, and - a flange interposed between the cooling module and at least one wall of the structure, said flange being in contact with the cooling module and with said wall of the structure. The flange is made of a thermally insulating material.