Electric Machine Cooling Assembly with Segmented Fluid Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for electric machines often fail to effectively manage temperature gradients, leading to overheating and performance degradation, particularly in vehicle propulsion systems where efficient heat dissipation is critical.
Innovation Solution
A cooling apparatus featuring a plurality of fluid channels formed by ribs on a surface surrounding the electric machine, creating circumferential paths for cooling fluid to circulate between central and end regions, with strategically positioned inlets and outlets to prevent dead zones and enhance heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cooling systems are used for electric machines, then the structure is simple, but temperature gradients are not effectively managed leading to overheating and performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple fluid channels with different flow paths - some channels extend between end regions to address end winding heating, while other channels provide central region cooling. This segmentation allows targeted temperature control in different zones of the electric machine without requiring a completely complex system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electric machine receive customized cooling through strategically positioned fluid channels. End regions with high-density channels address localized heating from end windings, while central regions receive cooling through separate channels. This local quality approach optimizes temperature control where it is most needed without uniformly complicating the entire system.
2Reliability
If fluid channels are added to manage temperature gradients, then temperature control improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fluid channels are merged into a unified cooling assembly that integrates with the electric machine structure. The channels are combined into a coordinated system where fluid flow through different channels works together to manage temperature gradients, preventing overheating through collective action rather than isolated channel operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling assembly with multiple fluid channels serves multiple functions simultaneously - it cools end windings through channels extending between end regions, cools the central region through separate channels, and manages overall temperature gradients. This multi-functionality achieves comprehensive temperature control without requiring separate dedicated systems for each cooling need.
3Use of energy by moving object
If cooling fluid is directed between central and end regions, then heat transfer efficiency improves, but fluid system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid channels are configured to operate in multiple dimensions - extending axially between end regions to capture end winding heat, and radially through the central region to manage core temperatures. This multi-dimensional channel arrangement maximizes heat transfer efficiency by utilizing different spatial dimensions for cooling different parts of the electric machine.
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 solution ensures effective cooling of electric machines, preventing overheating, improving heat transfer coefficients, reducing end winding temperatures, and increasing the durability and efficiency of motor components.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of fluid channels are configured to direct a cooling fluid between a central region of the first surface and an end region of the first surface
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of fluid channels defines a circumferential path in the first surface... directing cooling fluid along circumferential paths
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for cooling an electric machine includes a plurality of fluid channels disposed in a first surface that surrounds at least part of the electric machine. Each of the plurality of fluid channels defines a circumferential path in the first surface, including a first channel section extending at least substantially parallel to first and second circumferences defined by ends of the electric machine, and including a second channel section configured to direct a cooling fluid between a central region of the first surface and an end region of the first surface. The apparatus also includes an outer shell configured to surround the first surface and define a fluid tight chamber between the first surface and the outer shell, the outer shell having at least one inlet through which the cooling fluid is introduced into the chamber and at least one outlet from which the cooling fluid exits the volume.