Vinod K Singh

US Patent:

62331493, May 15, 2001

Filed:

Apr 23, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/839113

Inventors:

Ronald Barry Bailey - Erie PA
Vinod Kumar Singh - Erie PA
Wayne Alexander Kennedy - Erie PA
Eric Joseph Wildi - Ladue MO

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Schnectady NY

International Classification:

H05K 720

US Classification:

361704

Abstract:

An electrically powered vehicle includes an inverter mounted in the vehicle, the inverter having a plurality of high power IGBT modules for converting DC power to AC power for application to a plurality of AC electric motors connected in driving relationship to wheels on the vehicle. Each of the IGBT modules is mounted in thermal transfer relationship to an electrically isolated base plate and each base plate has a plurality of closely spaced, parallel slots formed across one surface with a plurality of fins fitted into the slots and extending from the base plate. The system includes apparatus for mounting the IGBT modules to a wall separating an electronics compartment from an air supply and air exhaust compartment. Air from an air supply plenum in the air supply compartment is directed into the fins extending from the IGBT base plate and exhaust through an exhaust conduit. The vehicle includes a blower to force air to flow through the fins extending from the base plate.