Introduction to Heat Transfer - The Basics of Thermal Management Explained
10 Enrollments Level : AdvancedRelevance
With advancements in silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor technologies, power electronic devices can now achieve higher power densities. However, this miniaturisation leads to significant thermal challenges, as the increased heat density can rapidly reach critical temperatures in a short period, potentially damaging components or disrupting power transmission. Consequently, efficient thermal management is crucial to ensure the reliability and performance of power electronic systems.
Abstract
This building block provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of heat transfer in power electronics, covering essential principles, definitions, and key formulas. An overview of heat transfer concepts is taught, ensuring a strong theoretical foundation. Beyond theoretical insights, this building block delves into the Ansys simulation procedure of heat transfer in power electronics. It outlines a step-by-step methodology for simulating the performance of a heat sink within the Ansys Icepak simulation software. By bridging theory with application, this building block equips learners with the knowledge and tools needed to develop efficient and effective heat sinks for various engineering applications.
Learning Outcomes
Understand Fundamental Heat Transfer Concepts
Define and explain the control volume concept, temperature and heat content or thermal energy content.
Thermal Analysis in Power Components
Understand how power is generated from power devices and how to do thermal analysis.
Examine practical applications of components in electrical and power systems.
Apply Design Methodologies for Power Components
Develop a step-by-step approach to thermal analysis.
Evaluate the impact of input power, air speed, and ambient temperature.
Optimise Power Component Performance
Optimise the moving distances for each component to reduce the temperature and size of the heatsink.
Bridge Theory and Practical Application
Utilise theoretical knowledge to solve real-world engineering challenges in power component design.
Prior Knowledge
Basic Electrical Engineering Concepts
Understanding of voltage, current, resistance, and power.
Familiarity with Ohm’s Law and Kirchhoff’s Laws.
Electrothermal Fundamentals
Basic knowledge of temperature and heat transfer.
Understanding of the Law of Energy Conservation.
Understanding of the Second Law of Thermodynamics.
Mathematical Skills
Proficiency in algebra and trigonometry for analysing waveforms and solving equations.
Basic knowledge of calculus, particularly differentiation and integration, is required for understanding magnetic field behaviour and inductance.
Keywords
- Heat transfer
- Thermal Management
- power electronics
Elements
1. About this Building Block
Descriptor BB - Introduction to Heat Transfer - The Basics of Thermal Management Explained
This building block provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of heat transfer in power electronics, covering essential principles, definitions, and key formulas. An overview of heat transfer concepts is taught, ensuring a strong theoretical foundation. Beyond theoretical insights, this building block delves into the Ansys simulation procedure of heat transfer in power electronics. It outlines a step-by-step methodology for simulating the performance of a heat sink within the Ansys Icepak simulation software. By bridging theory with application, this building block equips learners with the knowledge and tools needed to develop efficient and effective heat sinks for various engineering applications.
2. Presentations
Presentation - Introduction to Heat Transfer - Basics of Thermal Management Explained
Presentation - Introduction to Heat Transfer - Heat Transfer in Power Electronics
Within this slideshow, for heat transfer modes, the concept will be taught.
Next to this, you will be able to:
get an insight into the concept of a control volume
identify heat from power devices and PCB, and understand the interaction
and comprehend the concept of heatsink design, optimisation in thermal management, and thermal interface material
REMARK: This slideshow is also available as a video recording and contains the same content.
3. Video and knowledge clips
Video - Introduction to Heat Transfer - Basics of Thermal Management Explained
Video - Introduction to Heat Transfer - Heat Transfer in Power Electronics
Within this video, for heat transfer modes, the concept will be taught.
Next to this, you will be able to:
get an insight into the concept of a control volume
identify heat from power devices and PCB and understand the interaction
and comprehend the concept of heatsink design, optimisation in thermal management, and thermal interface material
REMARK: This video is also available as a slideshow and contains the same content.
Video - Introduction to Heat Transfer - Ansys Introduction
Within this video, an insight is provided into the procedure to simulate a heatsink in the Ansys Icepak software.
Video - Introduction to Heat Transfer - Ansys Simulation Tutorial
4. Self-assessments
Self assessments
Self Assessment - Introduction to Heat Transfer
This self-assessment allows you to practice the basics of heat transfer in power electronics.