Electric Machine Temperature Sensing Using Resistor Electrical Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric machines face challenges in efficiently managing heat generated during operation, which affects their operating efficiency, particularly as they are designed for higher speeds and smaller packages, where traditional bulky temperature sensing systems are not suitable.
Innovation Solution
An electric machine incorporates a temperature sensing system using smaller resistors mounted on the stator and rotor, connected to a controller that determines temperature based on electrical parameters, allowing for adjustments in operating parameters and cooling systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bulky temperature sensing systems are used, then temperature measurement reliability is improved, but device volume increases and is not suitable for smaller packages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature sensing function from traditional bulky sensors and implements it using standard resistors that are already present in the electric machine. By measuring the resistance change of existing resistors (which vary with temperature), the system obtains temperature data without adding separate sensing components, thus reducing volume while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the resistors serve dual functions: their primary function for electrical operation and a secondary function for temperature sensing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated temperature sensors, reducing overall system volume while ensuring temperature measurement reliability through the electrical parameter changes of the same components
2Productivity
If electric machines are designed for higher speeds and smaller packages, then productivity is improved, but heat management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the electrical parameters (resistance) of the resistors to detect temperature changes. Based on this real-time temperature feedback, the controller can adjust operating parameters or activate cooling systems to manage heat effectively, enabling high-speed operation while maintaining thermal control
Solution Approach 2:
The resistors themselves provide temperature information through their inherent electrical property changes (resistance varies with temperature). This self-service capability allows the machine components to report their thermal state without external sensing, enabling automated heat management that supports higher operating speeds in compact designs
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 enables efficient heat management by using compact and robust resistors for temperature sensing, improving operating efficiency and allowing for real-time adjustments to maintain optimal performance.
Implementation Method 1
one or more resistors mounted to one of the stator and the rotor, and a controller electrically connected to the one or more resistors. The controller is configured and disposed to determine a temperature of the one of the stator and the rotor based on an electrical parameter of the one or more resistors
Data Source
AI summary
An electric machine includes a housing, a stator including stator windings mounted to the housing, a rotor supported in the housing and configured to rotate relative to the stator, a temperature sensing system including one or more resistors mounted to one of the stator and the rotor, and a controller electrically connected to the one or more resistors. The controller is configured and disposed to determine a temperature of the one of the stator and the rotor based on an electrical parameter of the one or more resistors.