Heat exchanger bypass for temperature control of an electric motor

Abstract

Various disclosed embodiments include oil systems, electric motors, and vehicles. In an illustrative embodiment, an electric motor system includes an oil reservoir, a motor, and an oil delivery system. The oil reservoir is configured to hold oil therein. The oil delivery system includes a heat exchanger. The oil delivery system is configured to operate in a low temperature mode, bypassing the heat exchanger, when the oil temperature is below a first predetermined temperature, operate in a high temperature mode, directing oil passing through the oil delivery system through the heat exchanger, when the oil temperature is above a second predetermined temperature, and operate in a medium temperature mode, partially bypassing the heat exchanger, when the oil temperature is between the first predetermined temperature and the second predetermined temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to heating oil for use in electric motors. The statements in this section are provided only as background information in connection with this disclosure and do not constitute prior art. Background Technology

[0002] In electric motor environments, electric oil pumps can provide oil flow rates to meet cooling and lubrication needs. However, when starting at low temperatures, the high oil viscosity not only requires more power consumption from the electric pump to overcome system impedance, but also limits the amount of flow and pressure capacity due to the limited power, flow rate, pressure, and capacity of the electric pump.

[0003] The background of this invention is provided only by way of illustrative circumstances. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the principles of this disclosure can also be implemented in other circumstances. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Various publicly disclosed implementation schemes include oil heating systems, electric motors, and vehicles.

[0005] In one exemplary embodiment, this disclosure provides an electric motor system. The electric motor system includes an oil reservoir, a motor, and an oil delivery system. The oil reservoir is configured to hold oil therein. The oil delivery system includes a heat exchanger. The oil delivery system is configured to: operate in a low-temperature mode when the oil temperature is below a first predetermined temperature, thereby completely bypassing the heat exchanger; operate in a high-temperature mode when the oil temperature is above a second predetermined temperature, thereby directing all oil passing through the oil delivery system through the heat exchanger; and operate in a medium-temperature mode when the oil temperature is between the first predetermined temperature and the second predetermined temperature, thereby partially bypassing the heat exchanger.

[0006] In another exemplary embodiment, this disclosure provides a method for bypassing a heat exchanger in an oil delivery system of an electric motor system. The method includes operating in a low-temperature mode when the oil temperature is below a first predetermined temperature, thereby completely bypassing the heat exchanger. The method also includes operating in a high-temperature mode when the oil temperature is above a second predetermined temperature, thereby directing all oil passing through the oil delivery system through the heat exchanger. The method further includes operating in a medium-temperature mode when the oil temperature is between the first predetermined temperature and the second predetermined temperature, thereby partially bypassing the heat exchanger. The oil delivery system includes an oil pump configured to preheat the oil, and the oil pump is configured to change the flow rate of the oil once the oil reaches a third predetermined temperature.

[0007] In another exemplary embodiment, this disclosure provides a vehicle. The vehicle includes a body, an electric motor system, and at least one wheel. The electric motor system includes an oil reservoir, a motor, and an oil delivery system. The oil reservoir is configured to hold oil therein. The oil delivery system includes a heat exchanger. The oil delivery system is configured to operate in a low-temperature mode when the oil temperature is below a first predetermined temperature, thereby completely bypassing the heat exchanger; in a high-temperature mode when the oil temperature is above a second predetermined temperature, thereby directing all oil passing through the oil delivery system through the heat exchanger; and in a medium-temperature mode when the oil temperature is between the first predetermined temperature and the second predetermined temperature, thereby partially bypassing the heat exchanger. The at least one wheel is coupled to the body and configured to be driven by the electric motor system, which is coupled to a drive system for the at least one wheel.

[0008] The above description of the invention is merely illustrative and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, other aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0009] This disclosure is illustrated and described with reference to various accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals are used as appropriate to denote similar system components / method steps, and wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 It is an exploded view of a partial schematic of an exemplary oil circulation system used in electric motors;

[0011] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an electric motor system, which includes an oil circulation system in a stator heating configuration and a system via... Figure 1 The oil lubrication path of the oil injection rod;

[0012] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a partial cross-sectional view of an electric motor system and a motor stator in an oil-heated configuration, the motor stator and... Figure 2 The oil in the storage tank is in interfacial contact;

[0013] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary vehicle, which includes... Figure 2 Electric motor system;

[0014] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of heating oil for use in an oil spray system for an electric motor system;

[0015] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary heat exchanger for an electric motor system, wherein the bypass valve for the heat exchanger is in the open position;

[0016] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary heat exchanger for an electric motor system, wherein the bypass valve for the heat exchanger is in the closed state;

[0017] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for bypassing a heat exchanger in an electric motor system;

[0018] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating an example vehicle; and

[0019] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 9 A block diagram of one embodiment of the controller for the electric motor assembly 100. Detailed Implementation

[0020] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description. In the drawings, like reference numerals generally identify like parts unless the context otherwise indicates. The exemplary embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein.

[0021] Various publicly available implementation schemes include exemplary oil heating systems, electric motors, and vehicles.

[0022] By way of overview, in various embodiments, a system includes an oil reservoir adapted to immerse a portion of a motor stator in oil stored within the reservoir. The oil in the reservoir may be positioned in thermal communication with the motor stator, and the motor stator is configured to heat the oil in an oil heating mode. In various embodiments, in the oil heating mode, the motor stator receives power from a motor drive (such as an inverter) that does not induce torque in the motor rotor, for example, power at a fixed amplitude along the d-axis, when the motor drive causes heat generation in the windings of the motor stator. In other embodiments, current (fixed or other amplitude) is induced, such as using a mechanical brake or vehicle braking system, while keeping the motor rotor stationary. An oil pump is coupled to the oil reservoir and configured to draw oil from the reservoir. At least one oil sprayer may be coupled to the oil pump and configured to spray at at least one end of the motor rotor.

[0023] As outlined in the overview, various embodiments utilize electric motors, such as, but not limited to, those in electric vehicles, as an active heat source for heating the oil by using part of a stator winding submerged in oil. For example, in various embodiments, oil can be sprayed directly onto exposed end windings. It should be understood that heating the oil can help promote increased oil flow capacity and reduce electric pump power consumption. Therefore, in various embodiments, using a heated motor stator can help reduce the load on the pump. Various embodiments can also help provide a high flow rate of low-viscosity oil circulating during cold starts and low-temperature vehicle operation, thereby helping to protect gears and bearings and contributing to improved durability and lifespan of the drive unit in electric vehicles.

[0024] Now for reference Figure 1-3 In various embodiments, an exemplary system 120 is provided for heating and dispensing oil in an electric motor system 100. In the various disclosed embodiments, the non-limiting examples given only as illustrative of the electric motor system 100 are non-limiting examples of electric motors for electric vehicles. It should be understood that the example of the electric motor system 100 as an electric motor for an electric vehicle is given only as an example and not as a limitation. It should also be understood that no such limitation is intended and cannot be inferred regarding the electric motor system 100 as an electric motor for an electric vehicle. Therefore, the electric motor system 100 can be any type of electric motor as required by a particular application.

[0025] Therefore, it should be understood that the electric motor system 100 can be any type of electric motor as required by a particular application. For example, in some embodiments, the electric motor system 100 can be an alternating current (AC) motor, and in some other embodiments, the electric motor system 100 can be a direct current (DC) electric motor. In embodiments where the motor 100 is an AC motor, the electric motor system 100 can be any type of AC motor as required by a particular application, such as, but not limited to, induction motors (also known as asynchronous motors) (single-phase or multi-phase motors) and synchronous motors (resistance motors or hysteresis motors). In embodiments where the electric motor system 100 is a DC motor, the electric motor system 100 can be any type of DC motor as required by a particular application, such as, but not limited to, permanent magnet DC motors, series DC motors, shunt DC motors, and compound DC motors. For the sake of brevity, this document provides non-limiting illustrative examples of AC motors for the electric motor system 100 for purposes of illustration and not limitation. However, it is emphasized again that the electric motor system 100 is not limited to (any type) AC motor, and in some embodiments, it can be a DC motor.

[0026] In various embodiments, the electric motor system 100 includes an oil heating system 120 and a motor 114, the motor including a motor stator 109 and a motor rotor 115. The oil heating system 120 (also referred to in some embodiments as an oil delivery system) includes an oil reservoir 108. Various embodiments of the oil reservoir 108 are contemplated, including an oil reservoir 108 comprising a separate oil reservoir, or an oil reservoir 108 formed in another structure of the vehicle or electric motor system 100 (such as an engine housing, the housing of the electric motor system 100, etc.).

[0027] In various embodiments, the oil reservoir 108 is configured to receive at least a portion of the motor stator 109 therein, such that the motor stator 109 (such as the portion received in the oil reservoir 108) is in thermal communication with the oil held in the oil reservoir (while the oil is there). In some of these embodiments, the oil reservoir 108 is configured to immerse a portion of the motor stator 109 in oil.

[0028] The oil circuit is adapted to supply oil from the oil reservoir 108 to various systems for lubrication and cooling. The oil in the oil reservoir 108 can be in thermal communication with the motor stator 109. The motor stator 109 can be configured to heat the oil in an oil heating mode, for example, when the temperature is low and the oil viscosity is high, by providing electrical power to the stator 109. By providing electrical power to the stator 109, the current resistance within the stator causes the temperature of the stator 109 to rise. Because the stator 109 is in thermal contact with the oil in the oil reservoir 108, the oil is heated and its viscosity decreases.

[0029] In various embodiments, the oil circuit includes an oil reservoir 108, inlets in the oil reservoir 108 such as a suction filter 101, an oil pump 102, an oil filter 103, a heat exchanger 104, an oil spray bar 105, and an oil line 107. In various embodiments, the oil pump 102 is fluidly coupled to the oil reservoir 108 and adapted to draw oil from the oil reservoir 108 through the suction filter 101. The oil pump 102 can be any suitable type of oil pump as required by a particular application. Oil pumps are well known to those skilled in the art, and therefore, construction and operation need not be explained for the understanding of those skilled in the art regarding the disclosed embodiments. After the oil pump 102 draws oil from the oil reservoir 108 through the suction filter 101, the oil is pumped through the filter 103 and through the heat exchanger 104 (or through a heat exchanger bypass) before being delivered to the motor stator 109. In various embodiments, at least one oil sprayer 105 is fluidly coupled to an oil pump 102 downstream of the oil filter 103 and heat exchanger 104, and is configured to spray at least one component of the motor stator 109, such as the end winding 113 of the motor stator 109. In various embodiments, an oil line is also downstream of the oil filter 103 and heat exchanger 104 and is configured to deliver oil into the interior of the motor stator 109. Figure 1-3 In the illustrated embodiment, the oil pipe 107 is downstream of at least one oil sprayer 105 and receives oil via a cap pipe 106 located within the cap of the electric motor system 120.

[0030] In various embodiments, the oil reservoir 108 includes an oil reservoir 110. In various embodiments, an oil filter 103 is coupled between the oil pump 102 and one or more oil sprayers 105, and is configured to filter oil moving from the oil pump 102 to one or more oil sprayers 105. The oil filter 103 can be any suitable type of oil filter as required by a particular application. Oil filters are well known to those skilled in the art, and therefore, their construction and operation need not be explained in relation to an understanding of the disclosed embodiments by those skilled in the art.

[0031] In various embodiments, one or more oil sprayers 105 include at least two sprayer rods 111 having a plurality of outlet holes 112. It should be understood that any number of oil sprayers 105 may be used depending on the specific application. In some embodiments, more than one oil sprayer 105 may be used. In some other embodiments, only one oil sprayer 105 is used. It should also be understood that any number of sprayer rods 111 may be used depending on the specific application. In some embodiments, at least two of the sprayer rods 111 may be used if desired. In some other embodiments, only one sprayer rod 111 is used.

[0032] In various embodiments, heat exchanger 104 is fluidly connected between oil pump 102 and oil sprayer(s) 105. As will be discussed in more detail below, in various embodiments, bypass valve 130 ( Figure 6 and Figure 7 The oil pump 102 is connected in parallel with the oil pump 104 and is adapted to allow oil to bypass the oil pump 104. In various embodiments, the oil pump 104 is adapted to receive heated oil from the oil pump 102 and remove the heat from the oil before supplying the oil back to the oil sprayer(s) 105. The oil pump 104 can be any type of oil pump as required by a particular application, such as, but not limited to, shell and tube oil pumps, cross-flow oil pumps, counter-flow oil pumps, plate oil pumps, etc. Oil pumps are well known to those skilled in the art, and therefore, construction and operation need not be explained in relation to the understanding of those skilled in the art regarding the disclosed embodiments.

[0033] One or more oil sprayers 105 are adapted to spray oil onto the exposed end windings 113 of the motor stator 109. In some embodiments, one or more oil sprayers 105 are adapted to spray oil onto the exposed ends of the motor rotor 115 and the exposed end windings 113 of the motor stator 109.

[0034] In various embodiments, oil conduit 107 is adapted to supply oil to motor rotor 115 for cooling and lubrication. In some of these embodiments, cover pipe 106 is adapted to supply oil to oil conduit 107. After oil has been supplied to motor stator 109 and motor rotor 115 for lubrication and / or cooling, the oil is returned to oil reservoir 108.

[0035] In various embodiments, the oil reservoir 108 is adapted to immerse a portion of the motor stator 109 in oil stored within the oil reservoir. The motor stator 109 may be electrically connected to receive electrical power in an oil heating mode. An oil pump 102 may be coupled to the oil reservoir 108 and configured to draw oil from the oil reservoir 108. One or more oil sprayers 105 may be coupled to the oil pump 102 and configured to spray at at least one end of the motor stator 109.

[0036] The electric motor 100 also includes a motor rotor 115. The motor rotor 115 is adapted to rotate relative to the motor stator 109. (Refer to...) Figure 4 In various embodiments, vehicle 300 includes a body 310 and at least one wheel 335 coupled to the body 310, said at least one wheel being adapted to be driven by at least one motor 100 of the present disclosure, said motor including a motor stator 109 and a motor rotor 115, said motor rotor being coupled to a drive system for the at least one wheel 335. For example, as Figure 1-3As depicted, the motor rotor 115 is configured to rotate relative to the motor stator 109, the oil reservoir 108 is adapted to immerse a portion of the motor stator 109 in oil, and the motor stator 109 is electrically connectable to receive power from a motor drive, such as AC power from an inverter, in an oil-heated mode. An oil pump 102 is fluidly coupled to the oil reservoir 108 and adapted to draw oil from the oil reservoir 108. One or more oil sprayers 105 are fluidly coupled to the oil pump 102 and adapted to spray oil at one or more components of the motor stator 109, such as at least one end winding 113 thereon.

[0037] Although this disclosure relates to oil, oil pump, oil filter, oil injector, and oil line, it should be understood that any suitable fluid, such as synthetic oil, can be used to lubricate and cool the motor 100.

[0038] Now for reference Figure 5 The method 500 of heating oil for use in an electric motor begins at start block 505. At block 510, electrical power is supplied to the motor stator to heat the oil reservoir. In various embodiments, block 510 includes supplying electrical power from a motor drive (such as a reverser), wherein the electrical power has a fixed amplitude and is configured to inject current into the d-axis to ensure zero torque generation. In various embodiments, the current amplitude is selected such that the windings are heated for a short period of time, but not exceeding the thermal limit of the windings. In other embodiments, an induced current (fixed amplitude or other amplitude) is used while keeping the motor rotor 115 stationary. In some of these embodiments, the motor rotor 115 is kept stationary via one of a mechanical brake, a vehicle braking system, a combination thereof, etc.

[0039] In various embodiments, block 510 is performed in response to the oil temperature being below a predetermined temperature (e.g., below 0°C) or within a predetermined range (e.g., -30°C to 0°C). At block 520, oil is pumped from the oil reservoir through a heat exchanger and into the sprayer. In various embodiments, oil pump 102 is configured to change the oil flow rate at which it begins to supply oil once the oil reaches a predetermined temperature (e.g., via a controller). In other embodiments, as will be described in further detail below, the heat exchanger is at least partially bypassed until the oil reaches the predetermined temperature. At block 530, oil can be sprayed from the sprayer onto the exposed coil ends of the motor stator. At block 540, oil can be collected from the oil reservoir. Method 500 ends at closing block 545.

[0040] By heating the oil using the motor stator 109, the viscosity of the oil can be reduced, which reduces the resistance during oil distribution and allows the oil pump 102 to operate with lower power consumption, while still ensuring proper lubrication and cooling of the components of the motor system 100.

[0041] However, when the oil (or similar fluid) is at low temperatures, such as between -30°C and 30°C, the high oil viscosity leads to increased system impedance and limits the amount of flow and pressure capacity due to the limited power, flow, and pressure capabilities of the oil pump 102. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the electric motor system 100 is configured to bypass at least some of the flow around the heat exchanger 104 based on the oil temperature. This allows the oil pump 102 to operate at lower temperatures and can reduce overload of the oil pump 102 and increase its service life.

[0042] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 In various embodiments, the electric motor system 100 includes a bypass valve 130 adapted to control the amount of oil bypassing the heat exchanger 104 based on oil temperature. In some embodiments (such as...) Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, bypass valve 130 includes a passive valve 131. In various embodiments, valve 131 includes a stop 133, and a core 132 causes the stop 133 to move as the core 132 is heated. In embodiments, the core 132 includes a material that expands upon heating, such as wax. In various embodiments, the stop 133 is guided to an open position via a spring (not shown), which pushes or pulls the stop 133 to the open position. In other embodiments, the state of valve 131 is controlled via a controller (such as controller 200 discussed below). In some of these embodiments, valve 131 is controlled via an oil-based temperature-controlled electric or pneumatic actuator.

[0043] In various embodiments, the bypass valve 130 includes a bypass inlet 134 fluidly connected to the heat exchanger inlet 117 and a bypass outlet 135 fluidly connected to the heat exchanger outlet 119. In other embodiments, the bypass inlet 134 is fluidly connected to a supply line upstream of the heat exchanger inlet 117, and the bypass outlet 135 is fluidly connected to a supply line downstream of the heat exchanger outlet 119.

[0044] In various embodiments, the electric motor system 100 is configured to operate in a low-temperature mode when the oil temperature is below a first predetermined temperature, in a high-temperature mode when the oil temperature is above a second predetermined temperature, and in a medium-temperature mode when the oil temperature is between the first and second predetermined temperatures. In the low-temperature mode, the bypass valve 130 is open, and the oil bypasses the heat exchanger 104. In some embodiments, in the low-temperature mode, the bypass valve 130 is fully open, and the oil completely bypasses the heat exchanger 104. In the high-temperature mode, the bypass valve 130 is closed, and the oil is directed through the heat exchanger 104. In some embodiments, the bypass valve is fully closed, and the oil is completely directed through the heat exchanger 104. In the medium-temperature mode, the bypass valve 130 is partially open. In embodiments, the amount of oil directed through the heat exchanger 104 increases with the oil temperature until the bypass valve 130 is completely closed at the second predetermined temperature. In the implementation plan, the amount of oil bypassing the heat exchanger when operating in medium temperature mode is less than the amount bypassed when operating in low temperature mode but greater than the amount bypassed when operating in high temperature mode.

[0045] In various embodiments, the rating of oil pump 102 (such as in terms of power, flow rate, and pressure capacity) is based on the system impedance where the oil is at a first predetermined temperature and the bypass valve 130 is fully open. Accordingly, in these embodiments, a lower-power oil pump can be used to supply oil throughout the electric motor system 100, which can save energy and reduce any parasitic emissions caused by oil pump 102 in the vehicle.

[0046] In various embodiments, as discussed above, the motor stator 109 is used to preheat the oil, and once the oil reaches a third predetermined temperature, the oil pump 102 increases the oil flow rate. In some embodiments, the third predetermined temperature is less than the first predetermined temperature. In other embodiments, the third predetermined temperature is equal to the first predetermined temperature.

[0047] In various embodiments, the first predetermined temperature is less than 0°C and the second predetermined temperature is greater than 0°C. In other embodiments, the first predetermined temperature is between -35°C and -25°C (e.g., at -30°C), and the second predetermined temperature is between 25°C and 35°C (e.g., at 30°C). However, other temperatures for the first and second predetermined temperatures are also contemplated.

[0048] In various embodiments, the percentage of opening of the bypass valve 130 for controlling the amount of oil flowing through the heat exchanger 104 in intermediate temperature mode is defined by a temperature-opening curve. In various embodiments, the temperature-opening curve, including a first predetermined temperature and a second predetermined temperature, is based on at least one of the following: the rating of the oil pump 102 (power, flow, and pressure capacity), the oil viscosity at various temperatures, and the resistance of the oil delivery system (whether flowing through or not through the heat exchanger 104).

[0049] refer to Figure 8 A method 800 for bypassing a heat exchanger in an oil delivery system of an electric motor system includes: at step 802, operating in a low-temperature mode when the oil temperature is below a first predetermined temperature, thereby bypassing the heat exchanger. The method further includes: at step 804, operating in a high-temperature mode when the oil temperature is above a second predetermined temperature, thereby directing oil through the oil delivery system through the heat exchanger. The method further includes: at step 806, operating in a medium-temperature mode when the oil temperature is between the first and second predetermined temperatures, thereby partially bypassing the heat exchanger, such that the amount of oil bypassing the heat exchanger in the medium-temperature mode is less than the amount bypassed in the low-temperature mode but greater than the amount bypassed in the high-temperature mode.

[0050] refer to Figure 9 In various embodiments, the exemplary vehicle 700 includes at least one drive member 702, at least one propulsion device 704, at least one motor assembly 100, and at least one battery 706. The at least one propulsion device 704 is coupled to the at least one drive member 702. The at least one electric motor assembly 100 includes a housing 118. An electric motor 114 is disposed within the housing 118. Figure 2 The electric motor 114 includes a motor stator 109 with exposed end windings and a rotor 115 configured to rotate relative to the motor stator 109. The motor rotor 115 is coupled to at least one drive member 702. In various embodiments, an oil sprayer 105 is configured to spray fluid onto the exposed end windings 113 of the motor stator 109. In some embodiments, at least one motor assembly 100 includes a heat exchanger 104 and a bypass valve 130 configured to allow at least some oil flow to bypass the heat exchanger 104 under various conditions. Details of the electric motor assembly 100, electric motor 114, motor rotor 115, motor stator 109, oil sprayer 105, heat exchanger 104, and bypass valve 130 have been described above, and for the sake of brevity, details of their construction and operation will not be repeated (and are not necessary for those skilled in the art to understand).

[0051] In various embodiments, the electric motor assembly 100 also includes a motor drive 116 electrically connected to a motor stator 109 and a battery 706 of the vehicle 700. In various embodiments, the motor drive 116 is an inverter. The motor drive 116 is configured to deliver power from the battery 706 to the motor stator 109. In drive mode, the motor stator 109 delivers power to induce torque in the motor rotor 115. In various embodiments, in heating mode, the motor drive 116 is configured to deliver power without torque generation, such as by delivering power with a fixed amplitude along the d-axis (d-axis current injection). In various embodiments, the electric motor assembly 100 includes a controller 200 configured to control the motor drive 116 and the power delivered therefrom.

[0052] It should be understood that vehicle 700 can be any type of vehicle as desired, without limitation. By way of non-limiting example, in various embodiments, vehicle 700 can be an electric vehicle (i.e., a fully electric vehicle) or a hybrid vehicle. For example, and by way of non-limiting example, in various embodiments, vehicle 700 can include wheeled and / or track-driven motor vehicles, such as, but not limited to, automobiles, trucks, SUVs, vans, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorcycles, electric bicycles, tractors, lawnmowers, such as, but not limited to, ride-on lawnmowers, snowmobiles, etc. By way of further non-limiting example, in various embodiments, vehicle 700 can include marine vessels, such as, but not limited to, small boats, ships, submarines, submersibles, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), etc. By way of further non-limiting example, in various embodiments, vehicle 700 can include aircraft, such as, but not limited to, fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, and light-above-air (LTA) aircraft.

[0053] In various embodiments, one or more electric motors 114 are configured to drive vehicle 700. That is, in various embodiments, one or more electric motors 114 may drive any drive member 702, such as, but not limited to, one or more wheels, one or more tracks, one or more propellers, one or more thrusters, one or more rotors, etc. associated with vehicle 700, said drive member driving any propulsion device 704.

[0054] For example, in some embodiments of a motor vehicle, an electric motor 114 may be configured to drive a drive member 702 (such as an axle or chain link) that drives a wheel or track; in some other embodiments of a motor vehicle, an electric motor 114 may be configured to drive an axle that rotates two wheels or two tracks; and in some other embodiments of a motor vehicle, an electric motor 114 may be configured to drive an axle that rotates a wheel or track, and another motor may be configured to drive another axle that rotates another wheel or another track.

[0055] Similarly, in some embodiments of a marine vessel, an electric motor 102 may be configured to drive a propeller or thruster; in some other embodiments of a marine vessel, an electric motor 114 may be configured to drive a shaft that rotates two propellers or two thrusters; and in some other embodiments of a marine vessel, an electric motor 114 may be configured to drive a shaft that rotates a propeller or thruster, and another electric motor 114 may be configured to drive another shaft that rotates another propeller or thruster.

[0056] Similarly, in some embodiments of the aircraft, an electric motor 114 may be configured to drive a propeller or rotor; in some other embodiments of the aircraft, an electric motor 114 may be configured to drive a shaft that rotates two propellers or two rotors; and in some other embodiments of the aircraft, an electric motor 114 may be configured to drive a shaft that rotates a propeller or rotor, and another electric motor 114 may be configured to drive another shaft that rotates another propeller or rotor.

[0057] refer to Figure 10 The controller 200 may be a digital computer, which, in terms of hardware architecture, typically includes a processor 202, an input / output (I / O) interface 204, a network interface 206, a data storage device 208, and a memory 210. Those skilled in the art will understand that... Figure 8The controller 200 is depicted in an oversimplified manner, and actual implementations may include additional components and appropriately configured processing logic to support known or common operating characteristics not described in detail herein. Components (202, 204, 206, 208, and 210) are communicatively coupled via a local interface 212. The local interface 212 may be, for example, but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections known in the art. The local interface 212 may have additional elements omitted for simplicity, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, etc., to enable communication. Furthermore, the local interface 212 may include address, control, and / or data connections to enable appropriate communication between the aforementioned components.

[0058] Processor 202 is a hardware device for executing software instructions. Processor 202 can be any custom or commercially available processor, central processing unit (CPU), auxiliary processor among several processors associated with controller 200, semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), or generally any device for executing software instructions. When controller 200 is in operation, processor 202 is configured to execute software stored in memory 210 to communicate data to and from memory 210, and to generally control the operation of controller 200 according to software instructions. I / O interface 214 can be used to receive input from one or more devices or components and / or provide system output to them. I / O interface 34 may include, for example, serial ports, parallel ports, small computer system interface (SCSI), serial ATA (SATA), Fibre Channel, wireless band, iSCSI, PCI Fast Interface (PCI-x), infrared (IR) interfaces, radio frequency (RF) interfaces, and / or universal serial bus (USB) interfaces.

[0059] Network interface 36 can be used to enable controller 200 to communicate on a network (such as a vehicle-associated network) to communicate with other devices and components of the vehicle. Data storage device 208 can be used to store data. Data storage device 208 may include any volatile memory element (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)), non-volatile memory element (e.g., ROM, hard disk drive, magnetic tape, CDROM, etc.), and combinations thereof. Furthermore, data storage device 208 may include electronic, magnetic, optical, and / or other types of storage media. In one example, data storage device 208 may be located inside controller 200, such as an internal hard disk drive connected, for example, to local interface 212 in controller 200. Alternatively, in another embodiment, data storage device 208 may be located outside controller 200.

[0060] Memory 210 may include any volatile memory element (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)), non-volatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard disk drive, magnetic tape, CD-ROM, etc.), and combinations thereof. Furthermore, memory 210 may include electronic, magnetic, optical, and / or other types of storage media. It should be noted that memory 210 may have a distributed architecture, where various components are located remotely to each other but are accessible by processor 202. The software in memory 210 may include one or more software programs, each comprising an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. The software in memory 210 includes a suitable operating system (O / S) 214 and one or more programs 216. Operating system 214 substantially controls the execution of other computer programs (such as one or more programs 216) and provides scheduling, input / output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services. One or more programs 216 may be configured to implement the various processes, algorithms, methods, techniques, etc., described herein.

[0061] It should be understood that some embodiments described herein may include or utilize: one or more general-purpose or special-purpose processors (“one or more processors”) (such as microprocessors); central processing units (CPUs); digital signal processors (DSPs); custom processors such as network processors (NPs) or network processing units (NPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), etc.; field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs); etc., and a uniquely stored set of program instructions (including both software and firmware) for controlling them, to implement some, most, or all of the functions of the methods and / or systems described herein in combination with certain non-processor circuitry. Alternatively, some or all of the functions may be implemented by a state machine without stored program instructions or in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), wherein each function or some combination of certain functions is implemented as custom logic or circuitry. Of course, combinations of the above methods may be used. For some of the embodiments described herein, the corresponding device in hardware, and optionally having software, firmware, and combinations thereof, may be referred to as “circuit configured to perform a set of operations, steps, methods, processes, algorithms, functions, techniques, etc. on digital and / or analog signals as described herein for various embodiments,” “logic configured to perform a set of operations, steps, methods, processes, algorithms, functions, techniques, etc. on digital and / or analog signals as described herein for various embodiments,” and so on.

[0062] Furthermore, some embodiments may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon for programming a computer, server, appliance, device, processor, circuit, etc., to perform the functions described and claimed herein. Examples of such non-transitory computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, hard disks, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, etc. When stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, software may include instructions executable by a processor or device (e.g., any type of programmable circuitry or logic) that, in response to such execution, cause the processor or device to perform a set of operations, steps, methods, processes, algorithms, functions, techniques, etc., as described herein with respect to various embodiments.

[0063] In some cases, one or more components may be referred to herein as “configured to,” “configured by,” “configurable to,” “operable / operating as,” “suitable / adaptable to,” “capable of,” “adaptable to,” etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, unless the context otherwise requires, such terms (e.g., “configured to”) generally cover active state components and / or passive state components and / or standby state components.

[0064] While specific aspects of the subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made based on the teachings herein without departing from the subject matter and its broader aspects, and therefore the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications within their scope, as is the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that, in general, the terminology used herein, particularly in the appended claims (e.g., the body of the appended claims), is intended to denote “open-ended” terms (e.g., the term “comprising” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “at least having,” the term “including” should be interpreted as “comprising but not limited to,” etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that if a class intent is a specific number of introduced claim statements, such intent will be explicitly stated in the claims, and if no such statement is present, such intent does not exist. For example, to aid understanding, the following appended claims may contain the use of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim statements. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as implying that introducing a claim statement with the indefinite article "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such an introduced claim statement to a claim containing only one such statement, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrase "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should generally be interpreted as meaning "at least one" or "one or more"); the same applies to the use of definite articles used to introduce a claim statement. Furthermore, even when a specific number of introduced claim statements are explicitly stated, those skilled in the art will recognize that such a statement should generally be interpreted as meaning at least the number stated (e.g., simply stating "two statements" without further modification generally means at least two statements, or two or more statements). Furthermore, in cases where conventions such as "at least one of A, B, and C" are used, generally speaking, such a construction is intended to mean that a person skilled in the art will understand that the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" will include, but is not limited to, systems having only A, having only B, having only C, having A and B, having A and C, having B and C, and / or A, B, and C, etc.). A person skilled in the art will further understand that, unless the context otherwise requires, extractive terms and / or phrases that typically present two or more alternative terms (whether in the specification, claims, or drawings) should be understood to contemplate the possibility of including one, any, or both of the terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will generally be understood to include the possibility of "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0065] The above-described specific embodiments have illustrated various implementations of the device and / or process using block diagrams, flowcharts, and / or examples. Where such block diagrams, flowcharts, and / or examples include one or more functions and / or operations, those skilled in the art will understand that each function and / or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented individually and / or collectively by a wide range of hardware.

[0066] With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will understand that the operations enumerated herein can generally be performed in any order. Furthermore, although the various operational flows are presented sequentially, it should be understood that the various operations can be performed in any order other than that shown, or can be performed simultaneously. Unless the context otherwise requires, examples of such alternative orderings may include overlapping, interleaving, interruption, reordering, ascending, preparatory, supplementary, simultaneous, reverse, or other variations of ordering. Moreover, unless the context otherwise requires, terms such as “in response to,” “related to,” or other past tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variations.

[0067] Although the subject matter disclosed herein has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications may be made to the subject matter without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. An electric motor system, comprising: An oil reservoir configured to hold oil therein; motor; An oil delivery system, the oil delivery system including a heat exchanger; An oil sprayer fluidly coupled to the oil delivery system, the oil sprayer being adapted to spray oil onto the exposed end windings of the motor stator of the electric motor; and An oil pipe, located downstream of the oil sprayer and adapted to deliver oil into the interior of the motor stator, The oil delivery system is configured as follows: When the oil temperature is below a first predetermined temperature, it operates in low-temperature mode, thereby bypassing the heat exchanger; The system operates in high-temperature mode when the oil temperature is above a second predetermined temperature, thereby guiding the oil through the oil delivery system through the heat exchanger; and When the oil temperature is between the first predetermined temperature and the second predetermined temperature, the oil operates in a medium-temperature mode, thereby partially bypassing the heat exchanger, such that the amount of oil bypassing the heat exchanger when operating in the medium-temperature mode is less than the amount bypassed when operating in the low-temperature mode but greater than the amount bypassed when operating in the high-temperature mode.

2. The electric motor system of claim 1, wherein the oil delivery system includes a bypass valve fluidly connected in parallel with the heat exchanger, and wherein the bypass valve is adapted to be more open in the low-temperature mode than in the medium-temperature mode, more closed in the high-temperature mode than in the medium-temperature mode, and partially open in the medium-temperature mode.

3. The electric motor system of claim 2, wherein the amount of oil guided through the heat exchanger increases as the temperature of the oil increases until the bypass valve closes at the second predetermined temperature.

4. The electric motor system of claim 3, wherein the percentage of opening of the bypass valve for controlling the amount of oil flowing through the heat exchanger in the medium temperature mode is defined by a temperature-opening curve.

5. The electric motor system of claim 1, wherein the oil delivery system includes an oil pump, the oil delivery system is configured to preheat the oil, and the oil pump is configured to change the flow rate of the oil once the oil reaches a third predetermined temperature.

6. The electric motor system of claim 5, wherein the motor stator is configured to be partially immersed in the oil held in the oil reservoir, and wherein the motor stator is configured to heat the oil in an oil heating mode.

7. The electric motor system of claim 1, wherein the oil delivery system includes a bypass valve fluidly connected in parallel with the heat exchanger, and wherein the bypass valve is adapted to be fully open in the low-temperature mode, fully closed in the high-temperature mode, and partially open in the medium-temperature mode.

8. A method for a heat exchanger in an oil delivery system that bypasses an electric motor system, the method comprising: When the oil temperature is below a first predetermined temperature, it operates in low-temperature mode, thereby bypassing the heat exchanger; The system operates in high-temperature mode when the oil temperature is higher than a second predetermined temperature, thereby guiding the oil through the oil delivery system through the heat exchanger. When the oil temperature is between the first predetermined temperature and the second predetermined temperature, the oil operates in a medium temperature mode, thereby partially bypassing the heat exchanger, such that the amount of oil bypassing the heat exchanger when operating in the medium temperature mode is less than the amount bypassed when operating in the low temperature mode but greater than the amount bypassed when operating in the high temperature mode. Oil is sprayed onto the exposed end windings of the motor stator of the electric motor using an oil sprayer fluidly connected to the oil delivery system; and Oil is delivered into the interior of the motor stator via an oil pipe located downstream of the oil sprayer. The oil delivery system includes an oil pump configured to preheat the oil, and the oil pump is configured to change the flow rate of the oil once the oil reaches a third predetermined temperature.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the oil delivery system includes a bypass valve fluidly connected in parallel with the heat exchanger, and wherein the bypass valve is adapted to open in the low-temperature mode, close in the high-temperature mode, and partially open in the medium-temperature mode.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the amount of oil guided through the heat exchanger increases as the temperature of the oil increases until the bypass valve closes at the second predetermined temperature.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the bypass valve opening percentage for controlling the amount of oil flowing through the heat exchanger in the intermediate temperature mode is defined by a temperature-opening curve, the temperature-opening curve being based on at least one of: the rating of the oil pump, the oil viscosity at various temperatures within the temperature range of the intermediate temperature mode, and various impedances of the oil delivery system within the temperature range of the intermediate temperature mode.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the rating of the oil pump is based on the impedance of the oil delivery system at one of the first predetermined temperature and the third predetermined temperature.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the oil delivery system includes a bypass valve fluidly connected in parallel with the heat exchanger, and wherein the bypass valve is adapted to be fully open in the low-temperature mode, fully closed in the high-temperature mode, and partially open in the medium-temperature mode.

14. A vehicle comprising: Body; An electric motor system, the electric motor system comprising: An oil reservoir, the oil reservoir being configured to hold oil therein. motor, An oil delivery system, the oil delivery system including a heat exchanger, An oil sprayer fluidly connected to the oil delivery system, the oil sprayer being adapted to spray oil onto the exposed end windings of the motor stator of the electric motor, and An oil pipe, located downstream of the oil sprayer and adapted to deliver oil into the interior of the motor stator, The oil delivery system is configured as follows: When the oil temperature is below a first predetermined temperature, it operates in low-temperature mode, thereby bypassing the heat exchanger; The system operates in high-temperature mode when the oil temperature is above a second predetermined temperature, thereby guiding the oil through the oil delivery system through the heat exchanger; and When the oil temperature is between the first predetermined temperature and the second predetermined temperature, the oil operates in a medium temperature mode, thereby partially bypassing the heat exchanger, such that the amount of oil bypassing the heat exchanger when operating in the medium temperature mode is less than the amount bypassed when operating in the low temperature mode but greater than the amount bypassed when operating in the high temperature mode. and At least one wheel, the at least one wheel being coupled to the vehicle body and configured to be driven by the electric motor system coupled to a drive system for the at least one wheel.

15. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein the oil delivery system includes a bypass valve fluidly connected in parallel with the heat exchanger, and wherein the bypass valve is adapted to open in the low-temperature mode, close in the high-temperature mode, and partially open in the medium-temperature mode.

16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the amount of oil guided through the heat exchanger increases as the temperature of the oil increases until the bypass valve closes at the second predetermined temperature.

17. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein the bypass valve opening percentage for controlling the amount of oil flowing through the heat exchanger in the intermediate temperature mode is defined by a temperature-opening curve based on at least one of: the rating of the oil pump, the oil viscosity at various temperatures within the temperature range of the intermediate temperature mode, and various impedances of the oil delivery system within the temperature range of the intermediate temperature mode.

18. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein the oil delivery system includes an oil pump, the oil delivery system is configured to preheat the oil, and the oil pump is configured to change the flow rate of the oil once the oil reaches a third predetermined temperature.

19. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein the motor stator is configured to be partially immersed in the oil held in the oil reservoir, and wherein the motor stator is configured to heat the oil in an oil heating mode.

20. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein the oil delivery system includes a bypass valve fluidly connected in parallel with the heat exchanger, and wherein the bypass valve is adapted to be fully open in the low-temperature mode, fully closed in the high-temperature mode, and partially open in the medium-temperature mode.

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