Electric Machine Thermistor Slot Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric machines in hybrid and electric vehicles lack effective temperature measurement and control mechanisms, which can lead to reduced efficiency and potential damage due to inadequate power management based on temperature conditions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a thermistor within the stator slots of the electric machine to measure temperature and a controller to adjust power output accordingly, ensuring optimal operation and preventing overheating or underheating by adjusting torque, speed, and power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no temperature measurement device is installed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to inability to monitor and control temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The thermistor is integrated within the stator slot structure, merging the temperature sensing function with the existing stator components. This combination approach adds temperature measurement capability without requiring separate external temperature monitoring systems, thus improving reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The thermistor utilizes the existing electrical circuitry and control system to perform temperature measurement and control functions. The control system already present in the electric machine is programmed to process thermistor data and adjust operation accordingly, allowing the system to self-monitor and self-regulate temperature without additional external control hardware
2Measurement precision
If a thermistor is installed in the stator slot, then the measurement precision of temperature is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermistor is positioned at a specific location within the stator slot to measure the local temperature at the most critical point where windings are most susceptible to thermal damage. This localized measurement approach provides precise temperature data where it is most needed, improving measurement precision without requiring multiple temperature sensors throughout the entire machine
Solution Approach 2:
The thermistor is integrated within the stator slot structure, merging the temperature sensing function with the existing stator components. This combination approach adds temperature measurement capability without requiring separate external temperature monitoring systems, thus improving reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity
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 precise temperature monitoring and adaptive power control, enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and longevity of the electric machine by maintaining it within a desired temperature range, thus improving vehicle performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The thermistor is disposed within a first of the plurality of slots between the first and second ends, is radially aligned with a corresponding column of windings that is disposed within the first of the plurality of slots, and is configured to measure a temperature of the electric machine.
Implementation Method 2
The windings are disposed within the slots and are configured to generate a magnetic field that interacts with the rotor to generate rotational motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a battery, an electric machine, a thermistor, and a controller. The electric machine is configured to draw electrical power from the battery to propel the vehicle. The electric machine has a rotor and a stator. The stator has a core defining a plurality of slots and windings arranged within the slots. The thermistor is disposed within a first of the slots between first and second axial ends of the core and is configured to measure a temperature of the electric machine. The controller is programmed to control a power output of the electric machine based on the temperature of the electric machine.