Shared-Cooler Converter Layout for Compact Power Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power conversion devices used for DC power transmission face challenges in size reduction due to the large size of components such as switching elements and DC capacitors, which necessitate a more compact design.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion device is configured with a pair of unit-converters sharing a single cooling device, where the cooling surfaces of the switching elements in each unit-converter are opposed to each other with the cooling device interposed, and the conductive plates are arranged to maintain insulation and reduce the number of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a power conversion device is configured with separate cooling devices for each unit-converter, then each switching element can be cooled effectively, but the overall device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling functions for both unit-converters into a single shared cooling device. The cooling device includes a common housing that accommodates switching elements from both unit-converters, with cooling channels positioned to cool multiple switching elements simultaneously. This merging approach reduces the total number of cooling devices from two to one, thereby reducing overall device volume while maintaining effective cooling for all switching elements.
2Reliability
If multiple cooling devices are used for multiple unit-converters, then each unit-converter has dedicated cooling capability, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling device is designed with universal functionality to serve both unit-converters. The housing contains multiple cooling channels that can cool switching elements from different unit-converters simultaneously. This multi-functional design allows a single cooling device to perform the cooling function for both unit-converters, reducing component count while maintaining reliable cooling capability across all switching elements.
3Temperature
If switching elements are arranged with dedicated cooling devices, then thermal management is simplified, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling device employs segmented cooling channels within a unified housing structure. Each cooling channel is positioned to target specific switching elements, providing dedicated thermal management paths. This segmentation of cooling functions within a single integrated structure allows effective thermal management of multiple switching elements without requiring separate cooling devices for each unit-converter, thus reducing overall structural complexity.
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 allows for a compact power conversion device by reducing the number of cooling devices and components, while maintaining effective cooling and equalizing current utilization across switching elements.
Implementation Method 1
the cooling surfaces of the switching elements forming the pair in one unit-converter is opposed to the cooling surfaces of the switching elements forming the pair in the other unit-converter with the cooling device interposed therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
Unit converters each comprises a capacitor, a switching element having a flat surface on one side, a P-pole connection conductor where a second terminal hole at one end for fixing an electrode corresponding to a P-pole of the switching element and a first terminal hole at the other end for fixing a terminal of the capacitor are formed, and an N-pole connection conductor where a second terminal hole at one end for fixing an electrode corresponding to a N-pole of the switching element and a first terminal hole at the other end for fixing a terminal of the capacitor are formed. The unit-converters each including the connection conductors arranged to overlap in the thickness direction with their insulation maintained make the cooling surfaces of the switching elements be opposed to each other with a cooling device therebetween.