Insulated heat pipes

Heat pipes system electrically insulated

by a unique technological principle

Context and problem to solve :

Our customer, train manufacturer, needs embarked systems to convert current from 25000V to 3000V in order to have automotive trains running.

Converting current thanks to power electronic components induces an increase in temperature of the components : it is then necessary to cool them while warranting an electric insulation versus the support.

This dictates a strong constraint because the electric insulation worsens heat transfer coefficients.

To this respect, ATHERM has developed an insulation solution warranting a quite high ratio electric insulation versus heat transfer.

Constraints :

■ IGBT and Diodes components, non insulated electrically.

■ Global power usually dissipated : 1 to 10kW.

■ Electric insulation of the system > 12kV, 50Hz

Development of the study :

1- Calculation and working out of a solution based on heat pipes and pre size of it (calculation protocol developed by Atherm)

2- Trials on the first prototypes.

3- Manufacture and validation of the pre serial (cold starting, partial drop)

4- Industrialization of the product

Concrete result :

The customer’s request has been satisfied, IGBT cooling has been successfully realized.

This product is now manufactured in series with annual quantities around 1000 pieces