Arrangements for and methods of phase change cooling of power electronics
US7481072B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 14, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jan 27, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60K2001/003
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Power electronics for electric traction motors used to drive automotive vehicles are cooled in a closed system by spraying a dielectric liquid coolant directly onto inverter circuitry. The liquid coolant changes phase and vaporizes as it absorbs heat from power transistors in inverter circuitry comprising the power electronics. The resultant vapor is condensed back to a liquid in a heat exchange arrangement having pipes carrying a second coolant from a radiator used to cool an engine or fuel cell stack in the automotive vehicle. Overspray coolant, which remains liquid, can also be cooled by the heat exchange arrangement. By utilizing the latent heat of evaporation of the dielectric coolant and increasing the rate recycling of the coolant as power output increases, temperature increases in the power electronics are controlled.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.