Modular power converter having fluid cooled support
First Claim
1. A modular power converter comprising:
- a thermal support at least partially defining an electric reference plane and configured to receive and circulate a coolant stream for extraction of heat;
a substrate secured to the thermal support and cooled during operation by the coolant stream; and
a power electronics circuit directly secured to and cooled by the substrate, the power electronics circuit being configured for generating output signals resulting from power conversion, the power electronic circuit generating heat during operation that is at least partially extracted by the coolant stream via the substrate.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A support may receive one or more power electronic circuits. The support may aid in removing heat from the circuits through fluid circulating through the support. The support, in conjunction with other packaging features may form a shield from both external EMI/RFI and from interference generated by operation of the power electronic circuits. Features may be provided to permit and enhance connection of the circuitry to external circuitry, such as improved terminal configurations. Modular units may be assembled that may be coupled to electronic circuitry via plug-in arrangements or through interface with a backplane or similar mounting and interconnecting structures.
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Citations
52 Claims
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1. A modular power converter comprising:
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a thermal support at least partially defining an electric reference plane and configured to receive and circulate a coolant stream for extraction of heat;
a substrate secured to the thermal support and cooled during operation by the coolant stream; and
a power electronics circuit directly secured to and cooled by the substrate, the power electronics circuit being configured for generating output signals resulting from power conversion, the power electronic circuit generating heat during operation that is at least partially extracted by the coolant stream via the substrate. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A modular power converter comprising:
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a thermal support for a circuit, the support comprising a substrate having fluid inlet and outlet ports and a circulation path coupled between the inlet and outlet ports, the inlet and outlet ports being configured to transmit a coolant for circulation through the circulation path;
an interface plate configured to support a power electronics circuit, the interface plate being configured for mounting to the support adjacent to the coolant circulation path for extraction of heat from the interface plate during operation; and
a power electronics circuit configured for power conversion supported on the interface plate;
wherein the support at least partially defines an electrical reference plane, a mechanical support, and a thermal extraction path for the circuit. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A modular power converter comprising:
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a controlled power electronics circuit including solid state switches configured to convert incoming power to controlled outgoing power;
a control circuit coupled to the power electronics circuit and configured to generate control signals for control of the solid state switches; and
a liquid cooled support at least partially defining an electrical reference plane and on which at least the power electronics circuit is directly secured, the fluid cooled support including inlet and outlet ports for a cooling fluid and an internal fluid conduit for directing flow of cooling fluid adjacent to the power electronics circuit for removal of heat therefrom. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42)
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43. A method for converting electrical power comprising:
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directly securing a plurality of solid state switches to an interface;
securing the interface to a thermal support defining an electrical reference plane and configured to receive a coolant stream via inlet and outlet ports;
applying drive signals to the switches to generate controlled output power; and
circulating the coolant stream through the support to extract heat from the switches. - View Dependent Claims (44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51)
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52. A modular power converter comprising:
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means for directly securing a plurality of solid state switches to an interface;
means for securing the interface to a thermal support defining an electrical reference plane and configured to receive a coolant stream via inlet and outlet ports;
means for applying drive signals to the switches to generate controlled output power; and
means for circulating the coolant stream through the support to extract heat from the switches.
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Specification