Abstract A condensate sensing system which operates by sensing the temperature at which a heat sink is operating, the temperature sensor providing a signal for a control circuit, the control circuit, in turn, regulating the supply of cooling fluid either directly to the heat sink, or to a heat exchanger which supplies cooling fluid to the heat sink. The control system includes a temperature sensing switch connected in controlling relation with the gate circuit of an alternating current switch in the form of a triac, the triac in turn controlling the energization of a solenoid being supplied electrical energy from an outside source. The solenoid, when energized, may slow or halt the cooling process of the heat sink until such time as the temperature has risen to a preselected level, this level being selected in accordance with the temperature at which condensate forms on the heat sinks.
A method of operating a cooling system for a rectifier assembly including a plurality of rectifying elements mounted on a heat sink assembly, the cooling system providing liquid coolant to the heat sink, the method substantially preventing condensate from collecting on the heat-sink including the steps of mounting a temperature sensing means on an exterior surface of said heatsink on which condensate could form, directly sensing the temperature of the exterior surface, and controlling the operation of the cooling system in response to the sensed temperature of the heat-sink for maintaining the temperature of the heat-sink above the level at which substantial condensate will form.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
105 words
A method of operating a cooling system for a rectifier assembly including a plurality of rectifying elements mounted on a heat sink assembly, the cooling system providing liquid coolant to the heat sink, the method substantially preventing condensate from collecting on the heat-sink including the steps of mounting a temperature sensing means on an exterior surface of said heatsink on which condensate could form, directly sensing the temperature of the exterior surface, and controlling the operation of the cooling system in response to the sensed temperature of the heat-sink for maintaining the temperature of the heat-sink above the level at which substantial condensate will form.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said cooling system includes a solenoid valve associated in controlling relation with the flow of input coolant, said controlling step including energizing and de-energizing the solenoid in response to the sensed temperature of the heat-sink.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said energizing and de-energizing permits cooling fluid to flow when said temperature is above said preselected level and is precluded from flowing when below the said level.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 3 wherein said cooling system includes a control switch in circuit with said solenoid, said controlling step including controlling the conductive condition of said switch connnected in circuit with the solenoid.