Solar Inverter Thermal Module With Active Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat sinks in solar inverters provide limited heat dissipation performance, which can adversely affect the performance and service life of the device due to inadequate cooling.
Innovation Solution
A thermal module comprising a heat sink, a cooling module with a hot and cold side, and a thermal insulator is designed to enhance heat dissipation by positioning the cooling module between the heat sink and the solar inverter, with the insulator preventing heat transfer back to the inverter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional heat sink is used for heat dissipation, then the structure is simple, but the heat dissipation performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cooling module as an intermediary component between the heat-producing source and the heat sink. This cooling module actively transfers heat from the hot side (contacting the inverter) to the cold side (contacting the heat sink), thereby enhancing heat dissipation performance while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal management system is segmented into distinct functional components: the cooling module with hot and cold sides, the heat sink with heat-receiving and heat-radiating portions, and the thermal insulator. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while enabling flexible assembly and maintenance
2Device complexity
If a conventional heat sink is used, then the device complexity is low, but the service life is reduced due to inadequate cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling module serves as an intermediary that actively manages heat transfer, preventing excessive temperature buildup in the inverter. By continuously transferring heat from the hot side to the cold side and dissipating it through the heat sink, the system extends the service life of the inverter while adding minimal complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal module is designed to be self-regulating, with the cooling module automatically transferring heat from the hot side to the cold side based on temperature gradients. This self-service mechanism extends inverter service life without requiring external control systems or complex monitoring
3Temperature
If the cooling module is added between the heat sink and solar inverter, then the heat dissipation performance is upgraded, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling module is designed as a segmented component with distinct hot and cold sides that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation simplifies the integration process and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining effective heat dissipation performance
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transfers heat from the inverter, provides thermal management for the heat sink, and can be integrated with the thermal insulator to create a multi-functional thermal management system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components
4Temperature
If the thermal insulator is provided between the heat-receiving portion, cooling module and solar inverter, then heat transfer back to inverter is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal insulator acts as an intermediary barrier positioned between the heat-receiving portion, cooling module, and solar inverter. This insulating layer prevents heat from transferring back to the inverter, thereby controlling temperature distribution while adding minimal structural complexity through a simple insulating layer
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
The thermal module significantly upgrades heat dissipation performance and extends the service life of the solar inverter by effectively transferring heat away from the inverter and dissipating it into the ambient air.
Implementation Method 1
The hot side of the cooling module is in contact with the heat-receiving portion of the heat sink while the cold side is in contact with a heat-producing source on the solar inverter
Implementation Method 2
the heat produced by the solar inverter is radiated from the heat sink to thereby remove the heat from the solar inverter
Implementation Method 3
the heat produced by the solar inverter is radiated from the heat sink to thereby remove the heat from the solar inverter
Implementation Method 4
The thermal insulator is provided between the heat-receiving portion of the heat sink, the cooling module, and the solar inverter
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal module for mounting to and using with a solar inverter includes a heat sink, at least one cooling module, and a thermal insulator. The heat sink has a heat-receiving portion and a heat-radiating portion, and the cooling module has a hot side and a cold side. The hot side of the cooling module is in contact with the heat-receiving portion of the heat sink while the cold side is in contact with a heat-producing source on the solar inverter. The thermal insulator is provided in a space between the heat-receiving portion of the heat sink, the cooling module, and the heat-producing source of the solar inverter. With the cooling module provided between the heat sink and the solar inverter, the solar inverter can have largely upgraded heat dissipation efficiency.