E-Machine Coolant Jacket With Turbulator Insert for Compact Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbomachines face challenges in effectively cooling their components without increasing size, weight, and manufacturing complexity, which can lead to inefficiencies and higher costs.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a coolant jacket within the e-machine housing and the use of a removably inserted turbulator member that subdivides the coolant jacket to direct fluid coolant flow, enhancing cooling efficiency while maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling features are added to the turbomachine, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant jacket is defined within the e-machine housing, nesting the cooling function inside the existing structural component. This integration allows the cooling system to occupy space that would otherwise be unused, providing effective cooling without adding external components that would increase overall size and weight
Solution Approach 2:
The e-machine housing serves dual functions: it provides structural support for the e-machine components and simultaneously acts as a containment structure for the coolant jacket. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated cooling housings, reducing overall component count and weight
2Temperature
If cooling features are added to the turbomachine, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into modular components: the coolant jacket defined in the housing and the removable turbulator insert member. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective cooling functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The turbulator insert member is designed to be removably inserted into the coolant jacket, providing dynamic adaptability. This allows the cooling system configuration to be adjusted or maintained without permanent complex structures, simplifying manufacturing while enabling effective coolant flow management
3Temperature
If coolant flow is directed through the coolant jacket, then cooling of the e-machine is achieved, but heat transfer efficiency is limited by laminar flow
Solution Approach 1:
The turbulator insert member introduces mechanical disruption to the coolant flow, creating turbulence that enhances heat transfer between the e-machine components and the coolant. This turbulent flow regime significantly improves convective heat transfer coefficients compared to laminar flow, increasing overall cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The turbulator insert member changes the flow parameters of the coolant by inducing turbulence and increasing flow velocity variations. This parameter change from laminar to turbulent flow regime transforms the heat transfer mechanism, enabling more effective heat removal from the e-machine components
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
This solution provides effective cooling of the e-machine and other components, maintaining the turbomachine's compactness and reducing manufacturing complexity and costs, while enhancing heat transfer through increased turbulence in the coolant flow.
Implementation Method 1
The coolant jacket is configured to receive a fluid coolant flow therein for cooling the e-machine
Implementation Method 2
The turbulator insert member is removably received within the coolant jacket and that sub-divides the coolant jacket for directing the fluid coolant flow through the coolant jacket
Data Source
AI summary
A turbomachine includes a fluid compressor section with a compressor wheel supported on a shaft and a compressor housing that houses the compressor wheel for rotation therein about an axis of rotation. The turbomachine also includes an e-machine section with an e-machine operatively connected to the shaft and configured to convert energy between the e-machine and the shaft as the shaft rotates. The e-machine section includes an e-machine housing that houses at least part of the e-machine. The turbomachine further includes a coolant jacket that is defined at least partly in the e-machine housing. The coolant jacket is configured to receive a fluid coolant flow therein for cooling the e-machine. Also, the turbomachine includes a turbulator insert member that is removably received within the coolant jacket and that sub-divides the coolant jacket for directing the fluid coolant flow through the coolant jacket.