Experimental study of immersion cooling for power components

In railway traction, the conversion of electrical current has to be realised to ensure a correct supply of motor and other auxiliaries (fans, air conditioning, lighting...). These conversions are achieved with power electronic components. Because of the high heat flux and in spite of a good efficiency, the components have to be cooled to keep their electrical characteristics. Moreover, the electronic device reliability is strongly influenced by the temperature. One answer to these problems is the use of immersion cooling in a dielectric fluid. Pollution problems are solved because there is no contact between components and external surroundings. Pool boiling has a great efficiency and reliability because no auxiliary equipments are needed. This two-phase cooling is actually used by GEC-ALSTHOM to ensure power electronic component cooling on the TGV (High Speed Train).