Switchable Heat Pipe Cooling Semiconductor Light Sources

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooling systems for semiconductor light sources in motor vehicle headlights often waste thermal energy, which cannot be effectively utilized for other heating purposes due to the fixed positioning of heat sinks, limiting their operational flexibility and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A heat pipe arrangement with two condensation zones and a switchable 3-way or 2-way valve allows for the redirection of thermal energy between two heat sinks, enabling regulated heating for de-icing or other uses while ensuring continuous cooling of semiconductor light sources, preventing overheating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a single heat sink is used to cool semiconductor light sources, then the cooling function is simple and reliable, but the waste heat cannot be utilized for other heating purposes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaste heat utilizationVSAvoidheat pipe arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heat pipe is divided into two separate condensation zones (first condensation zone and second condensation zone), each capable of independently condensing vapor and transferring heat to different heat sinks. This segmentation allows the system to direct waste heat to different locations based on operational requirements, enabling both cooling and regulated heating functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heat pipe arrangement is designed to perform multiple functions: it can cool semiconductor light sources through either condensation zone, and it can provide regulated heating to different heat sinks. The switchable valve system enables the same heat pipe structure to serve both cooling and heating purposes, maximizing energy utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a switchable valve system is added to redirect heat flow between two condensation zones, then waste heat can be utilized for regulated heating, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat flow switching capabilityVSAvoidvalve control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A switchable valve is introduced as an intermediary component to control the flow of vapor between the evaporator zone and the two condensation zones. The valve acts as a mediator that can direct vapor flow to either the first or second condensation zone based on operational requirements, enabling flexible heat distribution without requiring complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the heat flow is switched between condensation zones, then regulated heating becomes possible, but the risk of overheating semiconductor light sources increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating regulation capabilityVSAvoidcooling reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed with a standby condensation zone that can be activated if the primary cooling path becomes insufficient. The switchable valve ensures that even when one condensation zone is used for heating, the other remains available to provide cooling backup, preventing overheating of semiconductor light sources under all operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 allows for the efficient utilization of waste heat from semiconductor light sources for de-icing or other heating needs, ensuring reliable operation and enhanced efficiency by maintaining a cooling path open, thus preventing semiconductor light source failure from overheating.

Implementation Method 1

a device in the form of a pipe which can transport large amounts of thermal energy between its two ends by means of evaporation/condensation of a working fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation/Condensation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

a heat pipe with a heat sink situated at a distance from the semiconductor light sources

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat pipe: Heat Pipe

Implementation Method 3

the semiconductor light sources are arranged on a heat-conducting module, which is operatively connected to an evaporator zone of a heat pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS8342728B2Arrangement for cooling semiconductor light sources and floodlight having this arrangement

Publication Date: 2013.01.01 OSRAM BETVERWALTUNG GMBH

AI summary

An arrangement for cooling semiconductor light sources (5), wherein the semiconductor light sources (5) are arranged on a heat-conducting module (11), which is operatively connected to an evaporator zone (27) of a heat pipe (20), wherein a first condensation zone (23) of the heat pipe (20) is connected to a first heat sink (33), wherein the heat pipe (20) is connected to at least one second condensation zone (25) with at least one second heat sink (25), and a heat flow can be switched over between the condensation zones (23, 25) or the second condensation zone (25) can be switched in.