Tichelmann principle applied to power electronics

This means that radiators with a short length of supply pipe measured from the pump, have a correspondingly longer return pipe. The opposite applies to the radiator located furthest away. This ensures that the same resistance is achieved throughout the system and that the radiator returns equal water flow-rate in all heating surfaces. As a result, the water flow for each heating source doesn’t need to be individually adjusted during commissioning.

When REO manufactures power products, it uses the Tichelmann principle to describe the method of connecting power elements in a distribution network.

When multiple elements are used within the system of a water cooled resistor, the water in-feeds connected to the individual pipes must be at the same temperature, pressure and flow rate. Otherwise, significant imbalances occur between elements, inevitably leading to system failure.

To overcome this challenge, REO applies the Tichelmann principle by connecting each water cooled element to a separate water feed and return. The relative lengths for the combined feed and return are the same for each part. This reduces the number of problems that can occur because of the high pressure water flow rates. 

When supplying a resistor, all of these points are factored in at the design stage. Computer modelling software is used to ensure that there are no functional flaws that could endanger the user or the application.