Stacked Converter Platforms for Cooling and Space-Saving Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy conversion installations, especially those using container housings, face challenges in space-saving configurations and accessibility, as well as inadequate cooling due to the additional protection against environmental influences, which hinders heat dissipation and maintenance access.
Innovation Solution
A platform with a frame structure and support posts allows for the stacking of converter units without additional housing, ensuring sufficient ventilation and accessibility, featuring alignment elements for centered stacking, a standing surface for access, and optional fire retardant materials and sprinkler systems for enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If converter units are housed in containers for protection against environmental influences, then protection against environmental influences is improved, but heat dissipation deteriorates due to the additional housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the converter unit from the container housing, placing it directly on a platform instead. This removes the container's insulating effect that hindered heat dissipation, while the converter unit retains its own protective housing against environmental influences. The solution separates the protection function (converter unit's own housing) from the housing function (container), eliminating the thermal disadvantage.
2Productivity
If converter units are arranged in direct spatial proximity to stabilize the grid, then grid stabilization capability is improved, but accessibility for installation and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal arrangement of converter units to vertical stacking on platforms. This dimensional change allows multiple converter units to be arranged in close proximity (improving grid stabilization capability) while maintaining accessibility through the lateral extension of platforms and provision of walkways around each unit.
3Area of stationary object
If converter units are arranged in direct spatial proximity, then space requirements are reduced, but cooling of electronic components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses vertical stacking of converter units on platforms to reduce horizontal space requirements. Each platform is laterally extended with walkways and cooling air can flow laterally around the converter units, ensuring adequate cooling even in compact vertical arrangements.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If additional housing by container is provided for protection, then protection against environmental influences is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the converter unit from the container housing, eliminating the need for additional protective enclosure. The converter unit is placed directly on a simple platform structure that provides only mechanical support, not environmental protection. This reduces device complexity while the converter unit's own housing maintains protection against environmental influences.
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 enables efficient heat dissipation and easy maintenance of converter units while minimizing space requirements, improving thermal coupling and reducing the need for additional protective enclosures, thus enhancing operational efficiency and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
A platform (10) is configured for positioning a skid (30) with a converter unit (31) on the platform and for stacking it one over another with a further platform (10) with a further skid (30) positioned thereon and a further converter unit (31) in the form of a stack
Implementation Method 2
The platform (10) has alignment elements (12) on a first side of its frame structure (11), and support posts (13) on a second side of the frame structure (11) opposite the first side
Implementation Method 3
the platform (10) is at least largely free without a wall surrounding the support surface (17) around its periphery
Implementation Method 4
The best possible heat dissipation must be ensured for the converter units in operation
Implementation Method 5
optional fire retardant materials and sprinkler systems for enhanced safety
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a platform stack for the space-saving configuration of an energy conversion installation, comprising at least two platforms stacked one over another to form the platform stack, wherein each of the platform is configured to position a skid with a respective converter unit of the energy conversion installation such that they are stacked one on top of the other on via the two platforms. The platforms each include a frame structure having a storage surface for the skid, and have alignment elements on a first side and support posts on a second side of the frame structure, opposite the first side.