Heat exchanger fluid distribution manifolds and power electronics modules incorporating the same

US8077460B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC. · US

Inventors

• Ercan Mehmet Dede · Ann Arbor, US
• Yan Liu · Palo Alto, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 19, 2010
• Grant date: Dec 13, 2011
• Expiry date: Jul 19, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01L2924/0002
• WIPO field: Thermal processes and apparatus
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A heat exchanger fluid distribution manifold includes a manifold body defining a coolant fluid chamber, a single fluid inlet, and a plurality of fluid outlets. The single fluid inlet is configured to introduce a coolant fluid into the coolant fluid chamber. The plurality of fluid outlets are configured to remove the coolant fluid from the coolant fluid chamber. At least two of the plurality of fluid outlets are separated from the single fluid inlet by an unequal distance, and a coolant fluid flow rate at each fluid outlet is substantially uniform. The heat exchanger fluid distribution manifold may further include a plurality of serpentine walls along the coolant fluid chamber. Each serpentine wall comprises a spline feature located proximate to an individual fluid outlet. The spline features are optimized such that the coolant fluid flow rate is substantially uniform and a total pressure drop is less than about 2 kPa.