Apparatus

Abstract

The disclosure relates to an apparatus including a first heat transfer element having a base plate, with a first surface for receiving an electric component and channels for transferring a heat load received via the first surface into a fluid in the channels, at least some of the channels protrude from a second surface of the base plate, and a second heat transfer element for receiving fluid from the first heat transfer element and passing a heat load from said fluid to surroundings. In order to obtain an efficient cooling, a phase change material is arranged at a second surface of the base plate between at least two of the channels, the phase change material absorbing heat by changing phase at a phase change temperature during operation of the electric component.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus comprising:
 a first heat transfer element including a base plate, with a first surface for receiving an electric component and channels for transferring a heat load received via the first surface into a fluid in the channels, at least some of the channels protruding from a second surface of the base plate;   a second heat transfer element for receiving fluid from the first heat transfer element and for passing a heat load from the fluid to the surroundings; and   a phase change material arranged at the second surface of the base plate between at least two of the channels, the phase change material absorbing heat by changing phase at a phase change temperature during the operation of said electric component.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the second heat transfer element comprises:
 channels for receiving the fluid from the first heat transfer element; and   fins extending between the channels for transferring the heat load to air passing between the channels.   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the second heat transfer element comprises:
 channels for receiving the fluid from the first heat transfer element; and a   cooling liquid passing between the channels for transferring the heat load from the channels to the passing cooling liquid.   
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , comprising:
 a first manifold arranged in the proximity of the first heat transfer element;   a second manifold, arranged in the proximity of the second heat transfer element;   the first and second manifolds connecting the channels to each other at respective opposite ends of the channels;   wherein the channels extend between the first manifold and the second manifold.   
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the first heat transfer element comprises fins extending between the channels. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the channels are arranged in pipes, the pipes are spaced apart and have internal walls separating a plurality of channels from each other. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the phase change material is a material in which the heat absorption occurs during a phase change from a solid state to a solid state. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the phase change material is arranged in a container. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the phase change material is arranged in a container comprising fins. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , comprising:
 a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature;   an adjustable cooling arrangement; and   a controller, responsive to the temperature sensor, for comparing the temperature measured with the temperature sensor to a reference temperature, and for controlling the adjustable cooling arrangement to reduce or increase cooling in order for the measured temperature to reach the reference temperature.   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , comprising:
 a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature; and   a controller, responsive to the temperature sensor, for comparing the temperature measured with the temperature sensor to a reference temperature, and for controlling one or more electric components of the apparatus to operate in a mode where they produce less heat when the measured temperature is higher than the reference temperature.   
     
     
         12 . The apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein the temperature sensor for measuring the temperature measures the temperature of an electric component attached to the base plate, the temperature of the base plate, the temperature of the phase change material or the temperature of the second heat transfer element. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein the temperature sensor for measuring the temperature measures the temperature of an electric component attached to the base plate, the temperature of the base plate, the temperature of the phase change material or the temperature of the second heat transfer element. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , in combination with a frequency converter or inverter.