Underground Power Converter Cooling via Subsurface Heat Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power supply equipment installed under a ground surface, such as power converters, face challenges in heat dissipation due to the difficulty in radiating heat effectively compared to those installed above the ground surface.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a cooler that utilizes a substance existing under the ground surface, such as soil or fluid, to cool the power converter, which is typically at a lower temperature than the heat-generating portion, using a fin for direct heat transfer or a passage unit to facilitate heat exchange, allowing efficient heat removal and discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If power supply equipment is installed under the ground surface, then space utilization is improved and aesthetics are enhanced, but heat dissipation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from surface-level heat dissipation (2D ground surface) to subsurface heat dissipation (3D underground space). By installing heat dissipation components in the vertical dimension below ground level, the system utilizes the underground environment for thermal management while maintaining a clean ground surface appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces underground water bodies (ponds, lakes, or water tables) as intermediary heat sinks. These water bodies serve as a thermal mediator between the power supply equipment and the environment, absorbing excess heat through thermal conduction and convection without requiring direct exposure to air or complex active cooling systems.
2Shape
If power converter is placed under ground surface, then installation aesthetics are improved, but cooling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs passive cooling where the power converter utilizes the natural coldness of underground water bodies for heat dissipation. The system self-regulates thermal management through natural thermal conduction and convection processes without requiring external energy input for active cooling, thereby maintaining cooling efficiency while preserving the aesthetic installation configuration.
3Volume of stationary object
If heat generating portion is located under ground surface, then space utilization is improved, but heat radiation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes hydraulic principles by introducing water circulation systems or direct water contact mechanisms. Underground water bodies or circulating water channels serve as the hydraulic medium for heat transfer, efficiently removing heat from the power converter through convection and conduction, thereby compensating for the limited heat radiation capability in the underground environment.
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 exhaustion from the power supply equipment, effectively managing heat dissipation and maintaining optimal operating temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a cooler that cools the power converter using a substance existing under the ground surface
Implementation Method 2
The cooler may include a fin capable of heat transfer from the power converter, and the fin may be disposed in contact with the substance
Implementation Method 3
The substance may be a fluid, and the cooler may include a passage unit that passes the substance to the power converter
Data Source
AI summary
Power supply equipment at least partially provided under a ground surface and capable of supplying power to a vehicle comprises a connector connectable to the vehicle in order to supply power to the vehicle on the ground surface, a power supply circuit (a power conversion circuit) that supplies power to the connector, and a cooler (a fin) that cools the power supply circuit using a substance existing under the ground surface. Thus, the power supply circuit that supplies power for feeding power to the vehicle is cooled by using the substance existing under the ground surface. The substance existing under the ground surface is normally lower in temperature than a heat generating portion of the power supply circuit. Therefore, the substance having a low temperature is used to cool the heat generating portion of the power supply circuit. The power supply equipment can thus efficiently exhaust heat.