Thermal Design for Solar Inverters

Requirement

Inverter cooling is hard because the power devices are concentrated, the cabinet is closed and outdoor temperature swings. Choosing by wattage alone usually produces a sink that will not fit or blocks its own airflow.

Our approach

Confirm airflow and mounting face first, then choose construction: rear-face mounting favours extrusion where only length changes, local hot spots use skived parts, and where more area is needed a copper-aluminium block helps. All three share one finish and colour code.

Airflow before fin shape

Fins must follow the airflow to carry heat away. In natural convection the pitch opens up; with forced air the pitch can tighten for more area.

Extrusion versus skiving

Large, long, cost-sensitive areas use extrusion. Concentrated devices needing a thick base use skiving. Both can coexist on one machine.

Outdoor protection

Sealing after anodizing limits humidity and temperature-cycle problems. Keep the mounting face machined so thermal pads or grease make proper contact.