KR102673106B1 - System and method for cooling converter of vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a converter cooling system and method for a vehicle. The heat generation of the converter is controlled by installing a thermoelectric element of high reliability and long-term use together with a heat sink in the case of the converter module, thereby preventing the cooling device and the converter module from being stored outside. It can prevent damage and improve stability by protecting it from the environment, secure stable cooling performance without a separate pipeline, and can effectively control heat generation in the converter by cooling to a temperature lower than the ambient temperature.

Description

Vehicle converter cooling system and method {SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COOLING CONVERTER OF VEHICLE}

The present invention relates to a vehicle converter cooling system and method for cooling heat generated in the converter using a thermoelectric element.

Multiple converters are used in vehicles. The converters generate switching losses and radiate heat as the main elements operate, so a cooling device is installed to control the radiated heat.

If the converter does not cool the heat generated by itself due to internal switching losses, the lifespan and performance of the converter are limited.

Accordingly, it is necessary to control heat generation by cooling the converter.

Conventional converter cooling methods include a natural cooling method using only a heat sink, an air cooling method using a cooling fan mounted on a heat sink, and a water cooling method in which cooling water flows by creating a flow path in the heat sink.

The natural cooling method cools the converter only with a heat sink, but has low cooling performance, making it difficult to control the heat generated by the converter.

The air cooling method monitors the temperature of the heat sink during converter operation and operates a cooling fan attached to the heat sink.

Related prior art includes Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-2278903, ‘Electric vehicle power charging and regeneration device’.

However, the cooling method using a cooling fan in the heat sink has the problem of being vulnerable to waterproofing and easily breaking down because the cooling device is exposed to the outside of the converter.

The water cooling method prevents overheating of the converter by designing a flow path in the heat sink to flow coolant through an external pump.

However, the water cooling method through the coolant flow path of the heat sink has structural problems because separate pipelines for coolant inflow and outflow must be connected to the converter. If coolant leaks or is insufficient, converter performance deteriorates and cooling due to coolant outflow occurs. There is a problem of damage to the device as well as the converter.

Accordingly, a cooling method is needed to control heat generation by stably cooling the converter.

Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-2278903

The present invention was created in response to the above-mentioned need, and aims to provide a vehicle converter cooling system and method for controlling heat generation of the converter by cooling the converter using a heat sink and a thermoelectric element.

In order to achieve the above object, a converter cooling system for a vehicle according to the present invention includes a converter; a cooling device installed below the converter to cool the converter; a temperature sensor that measures the temperature transmitted from the converter to the cooling device; and a processor that controls the cooling device to operate in response to the temperature measured through the temperature sensor. It includes: a first heat sink installed at the lowest part to dissipate heat to the outside; a second heat sink installed below the converter to receive heat from the converter; and a thermoelectric element disposed between the first heat sink and the second heat sink to cool the second heat sink by absorbing heat from the second heat sink. Includes.

The thermoelectric element is arranged so that a first surface that radiates heat is in contact with the upper part of the first heat sink, and a second surface that absorbs heat is in contact with the lower part of the second heat sink, so that the heat emitted from the converter is It is characterized in that it is absorbed through the second heat sink and dissipated through the first heat sink.

The processor operates the cooling device by applying a voltage to the thermoelectric element when the temperature exceeds the set temperature, and stops the operation of the thermoelectric element when the temperature reaches the target temperature.

The temperature sensor is installed inside the second heat sink and measures temperature changes caused by heat radiated from the converter and absorbed by the second heat sink.

The temperature sensor is installed inside the second heat sink and at the center of a plurality of heating elements included in the converter.

The temperature sensor is installed inside the second heat sink and below the heating element included in the converter.

a case connected to both ends of the first heat sink and formed in a structure that covers an upper part of the first heat sink to protect the converter, the thermoelectric element, and the first heat sink; It further includes.

The case is characterized by an air vent formed on one side of the upper portion to discharge heat inside to the outside.

The upper part of the first heat sink is protected by the case, and the lower part is exposed to the outside.

The cooling device includes a heat dissipation material (TIM) disposed between the PCB of the converter and the second heat sink; and an insulating material disposed at both ends of the first heat sink and on a side of the thermoelectric element to prevent heat exchange between the first heat sink and the second heat sink. It further includes.

The cooling method of the converter cooling system for a vehicle of the present invention includes the steps of operating the converter; A temperature sensor measuring the temperature transmitted to a second heat sink of a cooling device installed below the converter; operating the cooling device according to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor; cooling the converter by allowing a thermoelectric element included in the cooling device to absorb heat from a second heat sink; and dissipating heat to the outside by a first heat sink disposed below the thermoelectric element. Includes.

The step of operating the cooling device is characterized in that when the temperature exceeds a set temperature, the processor operates the cooling device by applying a voltage to the thermoelectric element.

After operating the cooling device, the temperature sensor re-measures the temperature; and stopping the processor to operate the thermoelectric element when the re-measured temperature reaches the target temperature. It further includes.

In the step of measuring the temperature, the temperature sensor installed inside the second heat sink measures a temperature change due to heat radiated from the converter and absorbed by the second heat sink.

According to one aspect, the vehicle converter cooling system and method according to the present invention are equipped with a thermoelectric element with a high reliability of material and can be used for a long time together with a heat sink, thereby ensuring stable cooling performance without a separate pipeline, and securing the surrounding environment. Since it can be cooled to a lower temperature than the original temperature, the heat generation of the converter can be effectively controlled.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a cooling device including a thermoelectric element can be mounted in the case of the converter module to protect it from dust, waterlogging, and electric leakage caused by the external environment, prevent damage, and improve stability.

1 is a block diagram briefly illustrating the configuration of a converter cooling system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a converter cooling system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram referenced to explain the operating principle of a converter cooling system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a cooling method of a vehicle converter cooling system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

In this process, the thickness of lines or sizes of components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation. In addition, the terms described below are terms defined in consideration of functions in the present invention, and may vary depending on the intention or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, definitions of these terms should be made based on the content throughout this specification.

1 is a block diagram briefly illustrating the configuration of a converter cooling system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the converter cooling system 10 includes a memory 120, a converter 170, a cooling device 180, a temperature sensor 140, and a processor 110.

The converter 170 includes a FET and an inductor, and when each element operates, heat is dissipated due to switching loss.

The cooling device 180 is installed below the converter 170 to absorb heat generated from the converter 170 or cool the converter 170.

The cooling device 180 includes a thermoelectric element and a heat sink (HEATSINK).

Thermoelectric elements operate by applied voltage.

When a direct current voltage is applied to a thermoelectric element, one side absorbs heat and the other side generates heat depending on the direction of the current. The cooling device 180 is installed so that the heat-absorbing side faces the converter 170 using the Peltier effect of the thermoelectric element.

The cooling device 180 may be mounted within the case of the converter 170 to form one package.

The temperature sensor 140 measures the temperature of the converter 170.

The temperature sensor 140 is installed between the converter 170 and the cooling device 180 and applies the measured temperature to the processor 110.

The processor 110 controls the cooling device 180 in response to the temperature of the converter 170 measured by the temperature sensor 140.

The processor 110 stores the temperature of the converter 170 measured through the temperature sensor 140 in the memory 120, and determines whether to operate the thermoelectric element of the cooling device 180 according to the measured temperature. The processor 110 adjusts the cooling temperature by turning the power on and off for the cooling device 180.

The processor 110 applies voltage to the thermoelectric element of the cooling device 180 to operate the thermoelectric element. The processor 110 applies voltage to the thermoelectric element of the cooling device 180 so that the thermoelectric element cools the converter 170.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a converter cooling system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, the converter cooling system 10 combines the converter 170, the cooling device 180, and the temperature sensor 140 to form one package.

The converter 170 includes a PCB 172 and a plurality of elements 171 mounted on the PCB. The element 171 includes a FET, an inductor, a resistor, a diode, etc., and may be configured differently depending on the function of the converter.

Among the plurality of elements 171, the FET and inductor radiate heat when operating.

A cooling device 180 is installed at the bottom of the PCB 172.

The cooling device 180 includes a heat dissipation material (TIM) 183, a first heat sink 181, a second heat sink 182, and a thermoelectric element 184.

Additionally, the cooling device 180 includes an insulating material 185. An air vent 186 is formed in the case 137 of the package.

A thermal interface material (TIM) 183 is disposed in contact with the lower portion of the PCB 172.

The heat dissipation material (TIM) 183 is disposed at the bottom of the PCB 172 so as to be in contact with the PCB.

The second heat sink 182 is installed below the heat dissipation material (TIM) 183.

The temperature sensor 140 is installed at the inner center of the second heat sink 182 and measures the temperature. In some cases, the temperature sensor 140 may be installed between the thermal radiation material (TIM) 183 and the second heat sink 182.

The temperature sensor 140 is preferably installed adjacent to a heating element among the plurality of elements of the converter 170. The temperature sensor 140 may be installed inside the second heat sink 182 and placed at a midpoint between a plurality of heating elements. Additionally, the temperature sensor 140 may be installed inside the second heat sink 182 and may be installed perpendicularly below the heating element of the converter 170.

Additionally, the temperature sensor 140 may be installed inside the second heat sink 182 and may be installed in plural numbers.

The thermoelectric element 184 is disposed below the second heat sink 182 and above the first heat sink 181.

The thermoelectric element 184 cools the converter 170 by absorbing heat to its upper side and dissipates heat to its lower side.

The first heat sink 181 is disposed at the bottom and radiates heat emitted from the thermoelectric element 184 to the outside.

Insulating material 85 is installed on some areas of both ends of the first heat sink 181 and on the side of the thermoelectric element 184.

The insulation material 85 is disposed so that the first heat sink 181 and the second heat sink 182 are not connected to each other, and prevents heat exchange between the first heat sink 181 and the second heat sink 182.

Both ends of the first heat sink 181 are connected to both ends of the case 187. The case 187 is preferably coupled to and fixed to both ends of the first heat sink 181.

A case 187 is formed on the upper side of the first heat sink 181 to protect the upper part of the first heat sink 181, the second heat sink, and the converter 170.

The lower part of the first heat sink 181 is exposed to the outside. Since the lower part of the first heat sink 181 is exposed to the outside, the heat of the thermoelectric element 184 can be dissipated to the outside.

Case 187 protects the upper part of the package consisting of converter 170, cooling device 180, and temperature sensor 140.

An air vent 186, which is a passage for discharging internal heat to the outside, is formed on one side of the upper part of the case 187.

FIG. 3 is a diagram referenced to explain the operating principle of a converter cooling system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the thermoelectric element 184 of the cooling device 180 uses the Peltier effect, dissipating heat to the first surface (A) and absorbing heat to the second surface (B) for cooling. do.

The thermoelectric element 184 is composed of a P-type semiconductor, an N-type semiconductor, a conductor, and a ceramic insulator.

The thermoelectric element 184 has insulators formed on the first side (A) and the second side (B) that radiate or absorb heat, a conductor is disposed inside the lower side, and an N-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor are placed between the upper and lower conductors. P-type semiconductors are arranged sequentially.

When voltage is applied to the thermoelectric element 184, current flows from the anode terminal to the cathode terminal, dissipating heat from the first side (A), and absorbing heat from the second side (B).

The cooling device 180 arranges the first heat sink 181 on the first side (A) and the second heat sink 182 on the second side (B), and then the second heat sink 182 Arrange so that the converter 170 is located on the side.

When a voltage is applied to the electrode of the thermoelectric element 184 according to a control command of the processor 110, the cooling device 180 absorbs heat emitted from the converter 170 by absorbing heat from the second surface (B), thereby converting the converter ( 170) is cooled. Additionally, the cooling device 180 radiates heat through the first surface (A), and the second heat sink 182 disposed in contact with the first surface (A) radiates heat to the outside.

Accordingly, the cooling device 180 cools the converter 170.

Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a cooling method of a vehicle converter cooling system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the converter 170 operates, the processor 110 measures the temperature of the second heat sink 182 through the temperature sensor 140 (S320).

Since the second heat sink 182 is disposed below the PCB 172 of the converter 170 as shown in FIG. 2 described above, the temperature rises due to heat radiated from the element 171 of the converter 170.

The temperature sensor 140 is installed inside the second heat sink 182 and measures the temperature, thereby measuring the temperature of the second heat sink 182 that changes by the converter 170, thereby indirectly controlling the converter 170. Measure the temperature.

The processor 110 determines whether the temperature of the second heat sink 182 measured by the temperature sensor 140 exceeds the set temperature (S330).

In some cases, when there are a plurality of temperature sensors 140, the processor 110 may determine whether the set temperature is exceeded by using one of the average, maximum, and minimum values of the measured temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensors.

When the temperature of the second heat sink 182 exceeds the set temperature, the processor 110 controls the thermoelectric element 184 of the cooling device 180 to operate (S340). The processor 110 operates the thermoelectric element 184 by applying a direct current voltage of a certain magnitude to the thermoelectric element 184.

The thermoelectric element 184 is disposed at the bottom of the second heat sink 182 so that the second surface (B) that absorbs heat faces the second heat sink 182, and the first surface (A) that generates heat faces the lower part. It is arranged to face the first heat sink 181.

Accordingly, when the thermoelectric element 184 operates, it absorbs the heat of the second heat sink 182 and cools the second heat sink 182, and as the second heat sink 182 cools, the converter 170 It cools down.

Meanwhile, heat emitted from the thermoelectric element 184 is dissipated to the outside through the first heat sink 181.

The temperature sensor 140 re-measures the temperature of the second heat sink 182 (S350). The temperature sensor 140 may measure the temperature of the second heat sink 182 continuously or at regular time intervals.

As the second heat sink 182 and the converter 170 are cooled by the thermoelectric element 184, the measured temperature decreases.

The processor 110 compares the measured temperature with the target temperature (S360), and maintains the operation of the thermoelectric element 184 if the target temperature is not reached.

When the measured temperature reaches the target temperature, the processor 110 stops the thermoelectric element 184 (S370).

The processor 110 continuously measures the temperature inside the second heat sink 182 through the temperature sensor 140, operates the thermoelectric element again when the measured temperature reaches the measured temperature, and operates the thermoelectric element again when the measured temperature reaches the target temperature. By stopping the device, the cooling temperature of the converter 170 is adjusted.

Therefore, the present invention forms a single package by installing a cooling device combining a thermoelectric element and a heat sink at the bottom of the converter, thereby effectively controlling heat generation in the converter and protecting the converter and cooling device from the external environment.

The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but these are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and other equivalent embodiments are possible therefrom. You will understand.

Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the patent claims below.

10: Cooling system 85: Insulation material
110: processor
120: memory 140: temperature sensor
170: converter 171: element
172: PCB 180: Cooling device
181, 182: Heat sink 183: Heat dissipation material (TIM)
184: thermoelectric element 186: air vent
187: case

Claims (14)

converter;
a cooling device installed below the converter to cool the converter;
a temperature sensor that measures the temperature transmitted from the converter to the cooling device; and
a processor that controls the cooling device to operate in response to the temperature measured through the temperature sensor; Including,
The cooling device,
A first heat sink installed at the bottom to radiate heat to the outside;
a second heat sink installed below the converter to receive heat from the converter;
a heat dissipation material disposed between the PCB of the converter and the second heat sink; and
a thermoelectric element disposed between the first heat sink and the second heat sink to cool the second heat sink by absorbing heat from the second heat sink; Including,
The temperature sensor is installed inside the second heat sink and measures a temperature change due to heat radiated from the converter and absorbed by the second heat sink. According to claim 1,
The thermoelectric element is arranged so that a first surface that radiates heat is in contact with the upper part of the first heat sink, and a second surface that absorbs heat is in contact with the lower part of the second heat sink,
A converter cooling system for a vehicle, characterized in that heat emitted from the converter is absorbed through the second heat sink and dissipated through the first heat sink. According to claim 1,
The processor operates the cooling device by applying a voltage to the thermoelectric element when the temperature exceeds the set temperature,
A converter cooling system for a vehicle, characterized in that the operation of the thermoelectric element is stopped when the temperature reaches the target temperature. delete According to claim 1,
The converter cooling system for a vehicle, characterized in that the temperature sensor is installed inside the second heat sink and at the center of a plurality of heating elements included in the converter. According to claim 1,
The temperature sensor is installed inside the second heat sink and below the heating element included in the converter. According to claim 1,
a case connected to both ends of the first heat sink and formed in a structure that covers an upper part of the first heat sink to protect the converter, the thermoelectric element, and the first heat sink; A converter cooling system for a vehicle further comprising: According to claim 7,
A converter cooling system for a vehicle, wherein an air vent is formed on one side of the upper part of the case to discharge heat inside to the outside. According to claim 7,
A converter cooling system for a vehicle, wherein the upper part of the first heat sink is protected by the case, and the lower part is exposed to the outside. According to claim 1,
The cooling device is
an insulating material disposed at both ends of the first heat sink and on a side of the thermoelectric element to prevent heat exchange between the first heat sink and the second heat sink; A converter cooling system for a vehicle further comprising: Steps in which the converter operates;
A temperature sensor measuring the temperature transmitted to a second heat sink of a cooling device installed below the converter;
operating the cooling device according to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor;
cooling the converter by allowing a thermoelectric element included in the cooling device to absorb heat from a second heat sink; and
dissipating heat to the outside by a first heat sink disposed below the thermoelectric element; Including,
The step of measuring the temperature is,
The temperature sensor installed inside the second heat sink measures temperature change due to heat radiated from the converter and absorbed by the second heat sink,
The cooling method of a converter cooling system for a vehicle, wherein the cooling device includes a heat dissipation material disposed between the PCB of the converter and the second heat sink. According to claim 11,
The step of operating the cooling device is,
A cooling method of a vehicle converter cooling system, wherein when the temperature exceeds the set temperature, the processor operates the cooling device by applying a voltage to the thermoelectric element. According to claim 11,
After operating the cooling device,
Re-measuring the temperature by the temperature sensor; and
When the re-measured temperature reaches the target temperature, the processor stops the operation of the thermoelectric element; Cooling method of a converter cooling system for a vehicle further comprising. delete

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