E-Machine Housing Thermal Bridge for Stator Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbomachines with e-machines face excessive temperature issues due to insufficient conventional cooling systems, which affect operation efficiency and increase manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a thermal bridge member with a retainer member to create a thermal path for heat transfer from the stator to the e-machine housing, using high thermal conductivity materials like thermal paste, and a retainer member to maintain the thermal fluid in position for efficient heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cooling systems are used for e-machine housing, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but temperature management becomes insufficient leading to reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function with the e-machine housing structure by integrating a thermal bridge member directly into the housing. This thermal bridge conducts heat from the stator through the housing walls to external heat sinks, combining structural support and thermal management functions into a single integrated system, thereby improving temperature management without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal bridge member acts as an intermediary element between the heat-generating stator and the external environment. This mediator component facilitates heat transfer from the stator through the e-machine housing to external heat sinks, enabling effective thermal management while maintaining relative simplicity of the overall system architecture
2Temperature
If thermal bridge member is added for heat transfer, then temperature management improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer member is installed beforehand to define the precise location and configuration of the thermal bridge member before the thermal management material is applied. This preliminary positioning action ensures proper thermal contact and alignment, simplifying the overall assembly process by establishing a ready-made framework that guides subsequent steps
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal management system is segmented into distinct functional components: the retainer member that defines geometry, the thermal bridge member that provides the thermal path, and the thermal management material that enables heat transfer. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and prepared separately, then assembled in a systematic manner, improving ease of manufacture while achieving effective heat dissipation
3Productivity
If thermal fluid retainer member is used to maintain thermal fluid position, then heat transfer efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it defines the outer boundary of the thermal bridge member, positions the thermal management material, and provides structural support for the entire thermal management system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency without proportionally increasing 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 configuration effectively manages operating temperatures, enhancing the efficiency of e-machines while maintaining manufacturability and reducing costs by ensuring efficient heat transfer and retention of thermal fluid during assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal bridge member that extends between the stator and the e-machine housing to define a thermal path for heat to transfer from the stator to the e-machine housing
Data Source
AI summary
A turbomachine includes a housing with an e-machine housing. Also, the turbomachine includes a rotating group supported for rotation within the housing. Moreover, the turbomachine includes an e-machine that is configured as at least one of an electric motor and an electric generator, that is operatively coupled to the rotating group, and that includes a stator that is housed within the e-machine housing. Furthermore, the turbomachine includes a thermal bridge member that extends between the stator and the e-machine housing to define a thermal path for heat to transfer from the stator to the e-machine housing. The e-machine housing includes a thermal bridge retainer member that defines an outer boundary of the thermal bridge member.