Enhancing short-term overload capability of wind turbine power modules with optimised heat dissipation path design and phase change material

Phase change material was proven to absorb the extra heat and enhance the short-term overcurrent capability of the power module. However, its low thermal conductivity will impede the heat dissipation from the chips to the case. Therefore, to effectively utilise the latent heat of the PCM and mitigate the negative effects of low thermal conductivity, an optimised phase change material integration design was developed for the wind turbine power module to enhance the short-term overload capability. The PCM is integrated into the spacer between the chips of the double-side power module, which is not the main heat dissipation path. This optimised design will reduce the maximum junction temperature from 137° to 120°, and 159° to 127° under 1.2pu and 1.5pu overload conditions respectively. The integration of the PCM outside the main heat dissipation validates its effectiveness in utilising the latent heat of the PCM while mitigating the negative impact of its low thermal conductivity.