Vortex Tube Cooling for 2D Power Converter Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for power converters are limited to one-dimensional arrangements, restricting efficient space utilization and requiring fans that increase maintenance costs and noise, while failing to provide effective vertical installation options.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system employing vortex tubes to generate low-temperature air for two-dimensional array power converters, controlled by temperature sensors and valves, allowing for fanless operation and reduced installation space, cost, and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If fans are used for cooling power converters, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fan component from the cooling system entirely, extracting the problematic element that caused complexity and maintenance issues. Instead of using active fan-based air blowing, the system relies on passive heat dissipation structures and natural convection, eliminating the need for mechanical cooling components while maintaining cooling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is designed to operate autonomously without requiring external mechanical assistance. The heat dissipation is achieved through the inherent thermal properties of the power converter structure, cooling fins, and natural air flow patterns, allowing the system to self-regulate temperature without fans or external control mechanisms.
2Temperature
If fans are installed for cooling, then cooling performance is improved, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fan source of noise is completely removed from the system. By eliminating the rotating mechanical component, the patent eliminates the primary noise generation mechanism, achieving quiet operation while maintaining cooling performance through passive thermal management design.
3Device complexity
If power converters are arranged in one-dimension horizontally, then cooling is simplified, but space utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional horizontal arrangement to two-dimensional vertical arrangement of power converters. This dimensional change allows multiple converters to be stacked vertically, significantly improving space utilization efficiency. The passive cooling design enables this vertical stacking by eliminating fan interference and allowing independent thermal management for each converter unit.
4Area of stationary object
If vertical two-dimensional arrangement is implemented, then space utilization is improved, but cooling effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling system into independent modular units, with each power converter having its own dedicated cooling fins and thermal management structure. This segmentation allows each converter to dissipate heat independently, preventing thermal interference even when arranged in vertical two-dimensional arrays, thereby maintaining cooling effectiveness while achieving improved space utilization.
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
Enables efficient cooling of power converters in two-dimensional arrangements, reducing installation space, maintenance costs, and noise, while providing dust-proof and explosion-proof capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
vortex tubes each installed in the respective power converters, the vortex tubes configured to generate low-temperature air based on compressed air from the compressor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a cooling system for two-dimensional array power converters. The cooling system includes: a plurality of power converters arranged in two-dimension; a compressor configured to generate compressed air; vortex tubes each installed in the respective power converters, the vortex tubes configured to generate low-temperature air based on compressed air from the compressor; valves installed between the compressor and the vortex tubes; temperature sensors each installed in the respective power converters to measure temperature inside the power converters; and a controller configured to determine whether to supply the low-temperature air into the power converters by using the vortex tubes, based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensors, and to control the valves depending on a result of the determination.