E-Charger Dual Cooling Circuit Layout for Compact Thermal Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cooling systems for e-chargers face challenges in providing effective cooling, particularly due to space constraints and limited cooling circuit design, which affects operating efficiency and manufacturability.

Innovation Solution

A compact e-charger cooling system with a dual cooling circuit design, where a bearing cooling circuit and a motor cooling circuit are connected in-series via a manifold passage, allowing for efficient coolant distribution and tailored coolant flow to specific areas of the motor assembly, enhancing cooling performance and manufacturability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a conventional cooling system is used for the e-charger, then the structure is simple, but the cooling effect is insufficient and operating efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling effectVSAvoidcooling system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system is segmented into multiple independent cooling circuits: a first cooling circuit for the motor assembly and a second cooling circuit for the bearing assembly. Each circuit has its own coolant flow path, allowing targeted cooling of different components with optimized coolant distribution, thereby improving overall cooling effectiveness without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the e-charger receive customized cooling based on their specific thermal requirements. The motor assembly and bearing assembly are cooled through separate circuits with tailored coolant flow rates and paths, ensuring that each component receives appropriate cooling quality rather than a uniform cooling approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Temperature

If the cooling circuit is extended to improve cooling coverage, then the cooling effect improves, but space constraints are violated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling coverageVSAvoidcooling circuit space
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling circuits are nested within the existing structural spaces of the e-charger housing. The coolant flow passages are integrated into the housing structure itself, utilizing available void spaces and structural features rather than adding external cooling components, thereby achieving extended cooling coverage without increasing overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Temperature

If multiple cooling circuits are added to improve cooling performance, then the cooling effect improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cooling circuits are merged into a single integrated housing structure. The housing serves as a common platform that contains and routes multiple coolant flow paths, reducing the number of separate manufactured components. This integration simplifies assembly and manufacturing while maintaining the benefits of multiple targeted cooling circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The dual cooling circuit design improves cooling efficiency, maintains high operating performance across various conditions, and simplifies manufacturing due to its compact and modular layout, reducing pressure loss and interface complexity.

Implementation Method 1

The manifold passage is configured to distribute a flow of the coolant between the first motor cooling circuit and the second motor cooling circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow distribution:

Implementation Method 2

a cooling system may be provided that directs flow of a coolant through the device to maintain operating temperatures within a predetermined range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection cooling: Convection

Implementation Method 3

The electric motor may be cooled, for example, to improve operating efficiency of the motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3623597B1Cooling system for e-charger assembly
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 GARRETT TRANSPORTATION I INC
  • EP3623597B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3623597B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3623597B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An e-charger includes an outer housing and a rotor supported for rotation within the outer housing. A motor assembly is housed within the outer housing and includes an electric motor and a motor case. The electric motor is encased within the motor case. The electric motor is configured to drivingly rotate the rotor within the outer housing. Furthermore, the e-charger includes a cooling system configured to receive a coolant. The cooling system includes a manifold passage defined in the outer housing. The cooling system includes a first motor cooling circuit and a second motor cooling circuit that are cooperatively defined by the outer housing and the motor case. The first motor cooling circuit and the second motor cooling circuit are fluidly connected to the manifold passage. The manifold passage is configured to distribute a flow of the coolant between the first motor cooling circuit and the second motor cooling circuit.