Thermally Coupled Power Converter Layout for Compact Drive Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

The size of power conversion devices is increased due to the structural separation and separate cooling of battery modules and power converters, which are thermally interfered with each other, leading to increased heat generation and size.

Innovation Solution

A power conversion device with an integrated thermal coupling member that thermally couples all-solid-state batteries and power converters, using a single cooling device to manage operating temperatures, thereby reducing the device's size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the battery module and power converter are structurally separated and cooled by different cooling devices, then the operating temperatures are controlled within rated limits, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating temperature controlVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the battery module and power converter into a single integrated housing structure, allowing both components to share the same thermal management system. The housing contains both the battery module and power converter, enabling unified cooling approach that reduces overall device size while maintaining temperature control for both components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Volume of stationary object

If the battery module and power converter are integrated with thermal coupling, then the device size is reduced, but thermal interference between components occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidthermal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the housing into distinct regions: a first housing portion for the battery module and a second housing portion for the power converter. This spatial segmentation allows thermal coupling for size reduction while maintaining separate zones that can be independently managed to minimize thermal interference between the two components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 integrated thermal coupling member effectively controls operating temperatures, reducing the device size and improving battery performance by efficiently transferring heat between components.

Implementation Method 1

a thermal coupling member 5 that thermally couples the all-solid-state battery 20 and the power converter 3

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3975407B1Power conversion device and electric drive unit
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 ASTEMO LTD
  • EP3975407B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3975407B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3975407B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided is a power conversion device including an all-solid-state battery, a power converter that converts power between the all-solid-state battery and a load, and a thermal coupling member that thermally couples the all-solid-state battery and the power converter.