The DC-DC converter is key to developing small, lightweight power control units for Formula One hybrid systems. A new material consisting of a silver-impregnated diamond powder compact, was developed in order to enhance the heat dissipation performance of the DC-DC converter. The coefficient of thermal conductivity of the developed material is three times that of a conventional aluminum material. The use of the silver-diamond composite material in a heatspreader has reduced the temperature increase of the switching elements by 33%, offering a good prospect for the extension of continuous boost from 1.4 to 6.6 seconds, the maximum regulation figure.
Article of Honda R&D Technical Review F1 Special (The third Era Activities) (278 - 279)