Liquid Cooled Linear Induction Motor with Embedded Serpentine Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Linear induction motors face efficiency and reliability issues due to high temperatures in motor windings, which increase energy losses and reduce thrust performance and insulation life, necessitating a cooling solution to mitigate these challenges.
Innovation Solution
A liquid-cooled linear induction motor design featuring a serpentine tubing assembly and lateral tubes in thermal contact with the winding coils, along with an electrical insulation layer to prevent electrical conduction while allowing thermal conduction, effectively reducing winding coil temperatures and enhancing operational reliability in harsh environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If liquid cooling system is added to linear induction motor, then winding temperature is reduced and efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channels are integrated directly into the motor core structure, merging the cooling system with the motor assembly. The serpentine tubing is embedded within the core, eliminating the need for separate external cooling components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective winding temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
A thermal conductive but electrically insulating material is introduced as an intermediary between the serpentine cooling tubing and the motor core. This mediator enables efficient heat transfer from the windings to the cooling fluid while preventing electrical short circuits, resolving the contradiction between effective cooling and electrical safety.
2Loss of energy
If better thermal contact between cooling tubes and end turns is achieved, then cooling efficiency increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-sectional shape of the lateral cooling tubes is changed from conventional circular to oblong, with dimensions specifically optimized to match the geometry of the end turns. This parameter change maximizes the thermal contact surface area between the cooling tubes and windings, significantly improving cooling efficiency while accommodating manufacturing tolerances.
3Reliability
If motor is better isolated from environment, then reliability in harsh environments improves, but heat dissipation to environment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid cooling system with serpentine tubing is implemented to replace reliance on air cooling and environmental conditions. The liquid coolant circulates through the embedded channels, actively removing heat from the windings and core, thereby maintaining reliable operation in harsh environments while effectively managing thermal dissipation through the fluid medium rather than direct environmental contact.
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 significantly increases motor efficiency by lowering winding coil temperatures, improves reliability by isolating the motor from extreme conditions, and extends insulation life, ensuring reliable operation in inhospitable environments.
Implementation Method 1
The serpentine tubing assembly is at least partially in contact with the core so as to transfer heat from the core to the environment
Implementation Method 2
The two lateral tubes have an oblong or ovoid cross-section that, at least partially, conforms to an inside surface of the end turns so that the two lateral tubes are in thermal conduction contact with their respective alignment of the end turns
Implementation Method 3
An electrical insulation, such as a fiberglass sock, may be used between the serpentine tubing assembly and the core to prevent electrical conduction between the two components while still allowing thermal conduction
Data Source
AI summary
A primary for a linear induction motor having a core, electrical winding coils and a cooling system. The core extends longitudinally and has slots extending laterally in a first face thereof. Electrical winding coils inserted in the slots have end turns that extend laterally beyond each side of the core. The electrical winding coils are aligned sequentially along a length of the core. The cooling system, which is adapted to receive a cooling fluid, includes a serpentine tubing assembly and two lateral tubes. The serpentine tubing assembly is at least partially in contact with the core so as to transfer heat from the core to the environment. Each one of the two lateral tubes extend longitudinally along a different side of the core and within a respective longitudinal alignment of the end turns of the electrical winding coils.