Switched Reluctance Motor Cooling via Stator Spacers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Switched reluctance motors generate significant heat, and existing cooling systems, such as convection cooling, are not sufficient to enhance power generation and lifespan efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A rotary electric machine design featuring a stator with radially extending poles, coils with electrically conductive wires, and spacers that create fluid flow openings between the coils and the stator, allowing for improved heat dissipation through a cooling fluid system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If convection cooling systems are used to draw heat from the switched reluctance motor, then cooling is provided, but the cooling efficiency is insufficient to enhance power generation and lifespan effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fluid flow openings that extend in the axial dimension between the coils and stator, creating three-dimensional cooling channels. This dimensional expansion allows cooling fluid to access heat-generating components from multiple directions (radially and axially), significantly improving heat dissipation efficiency beyond traditional convection cooling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a fluid cooling system where cooling fluid flows through defined fluid flow openings between the coils and stator. This hydraulic cooling approach replaces insufficient convection cooling with an active fluid-based heat transfer system, enabling more effective heat removal and supporting higher power generation levels
2Productivity
If the number of wires and coil configuration are increased to improve motor efficiency, then operational efficiency improves, but heat generation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cooling fluid as an intermediary substance that mediates heat transfer between the heat-generating coils and the stator. The fluid flow openings provide pathways for this intermediary cooling fluid to carry heat away from the coils, enabling high-efficiency operation with increased wire count without excessive heat accumulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal management parameters by introducing active fluid cooling with controlled flow through defined openings. This parameter change in the cooling system (from passive convection to active fluid flow) enables the motor to operate at higher efficiencies with increased coil complexity while maintaining acceptable temperature levels
3Temperature
If cooling fluid flow paths are increased to improve heat transfer, then heat dissipation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stator structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, magnetic flux path, and simultaneously acts as a cooling channel structure. The fluid flow openings are integrated into the stator body, allowing the same component to fulfill both structural and thermal management roles, thereby improving heat transfer without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cooling fluid flow paths directly with the stator structure by defining openings within the stator body. This consolidation combines the cooling system with the existing motor structure, achieving effective heat dissipation through integrated design rather than adding separate complex cooling components
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 design increases the surface area for cooling fluid to contact the coils, enhancing heat transfer and resulting in more efficient operation and extended lifespan of the motor by effectively managing heat generation.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid system is provided with cooling fluid that flows through the fluid flow opening
Implementation Method 2
enhancing heat transfer resulting in more efficient operation
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary electric machine includes a stator, a rotor, a plurality of coils and a plurality of spacers. The stator has a stator body and a plurality of stator poles. Each stator pole has a pair of oppositely facing side surfaces. The rotor is positioned within the stator and has a plurality of rotor poles. One coil is disposed about each stator pole. The spacers are disposed between one coil and at least one of an inner circumferential surface of the stator body and the side surfaces of the stator body to define a fluid flow opening between the coil and the stator.