Rotary Electric Machine Cooling Layout With Integrated Terminal Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary electric machines face challenges in cooling efficiency due to air accumulation in cooling flow paths, which hinders heat dissipation, and the separate arrangement of terminal blocks and refrigerant flow paths leads to increased size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An integrated structure is introduced where the refrigerant flow path and electric power wires are alternately aligned in proximity, with the refrigerant flow path being integral to the stator cooling flow path, allowing for effective cooling and compact design by reducing the vertical dimension and ensuring stable alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the terminal block and refrigerant flow path are arranged separately, then the cooling performance is improved, but the overall size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the terminal block and refrigerant flow path into a single unified structure. The terminal block is configured with an integrated refrigerant flow path that allows refrigerant to circulate through the terminal block itself, combining the electrical connection function and cooling function into one component. This eliminates the need for separate arrangement of terminal block and refrigerant flow path, thereby reducing overall size while maintaining cooling performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal block is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection for power transmission and incorporates an integrated refrigerant flow path for cooling. This multi-functional design allows the terminal block to perform both electrical and thermal management functions, reducing the need for separate components and thereby reducing overall size.
2Reliability
If the inlet and outlet of cooling flow path are arranged in the upper portion of the stator, then air removal is improved, but the vertical dimension increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical arrangement to a horizontal arrangement of the refrigerant flow path. Instead of arranging the inlet and outlet in the upper portion of the stator (vertical dimension), the refrigerant flow path is configured to extend horizontally along the stator. This dimensional change allows air removal functionality to be achieved without increasing the vertical dimension of the motor.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant flow path is segmented into multiple sections that extend along different portions of the stator. This segmentation allows the cooling flow path to cover a larger area and improve air removal efficiency without requiring a concentrated vertical arrangement, thereby maintaining a compact vertical dimension.
3Temperature
If the refrigerant flow path extends along the periphery of the stator, then cooling performance is improved, but air accumulation occurs in the upper portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different qualities to different portions of the refrigerant flow path. The flow path is configured to extend along the periphery of the stator where cooling is needed, while simultaneously incorporating features at strategic locations (such as inclined surfaces or air vents) to address air accumulation locally. This localized quality adjustment allows the flow path to maintain its cooling function while eliminating the harmful air accumulation effect.
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 achieves enhanced cooling performance while maintaining a compact size, reducing electrical resistance and weight, and allows for efficient air removal from the cooling flow path.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerant flow path that relays circulation of a refrigerant... through circulation of a refrigerant... cooling performance
Implementation Method 2
cool the rotary electric machine by circulation of a refrigerant... cooling performance... enhanced cooling performance
Implementation Method 3
an electric power wire through which the large current flows generates heat by energization... heat generation portions
Data Source
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AI summary
To achieve an excellent cooling performance and compactness, the disclosed technique includes: a housing (30) that supports a shaft (33) in a rotatable manner and accommodates a rotor (32) and a stator (31); a stator cooling flow path (34) provided in a housing (30) to extend along a periphery of the stator (31); and an integrated structure portion (50) that is interposed between the stator (31) and an electrical power unit (7), and constitutes a terminal block that includes an electric power wire for relaying electrical connection of these, and in which the stator cooling flow path (34) is integrally provided with a refrigerant flow path that relays circulation of a refrigerant. In a state where the refrigerant flow path and an electric power wire are arranged inside in a manner to be alternately aligned in proximity, the integrated structure portion (50) is arranged in an upper portion of the housing (30).