Electric Motor Stator Core Cooling via Lubricating Oil Flow Path
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electric motor designs face challenges in effectively cooling the stator core, leading to increased production and maintenance costs due to the need for complex water jacket systems and separate lubricating oil management.
Innovation Solution
An electric motor design featuring a stator core with convex portions that form an outer peripheral flow path for lubricating oil, eliminating the need for a separate flow path in the casing and allowing direct contact with the stator core, combined with a lubricating oil-circulating unit for efficient cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a water jacket system with separate cooling water flow path is used to cool the stator core, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but production cost increases due to complex flow path formation and maintenance cost increases due to dual fluid management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling function and lubrication function into a single integrated system. The lubricating oil serves dual purposes: it lubricates the rotor bearings and simultaneously cools the stator core by flowing through the outer peripheral flow path that contacts the stator core's outer surface. This eliminates the need for a separate water jacket system, reducing structural complexity while maintaining effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricating oil is given multiple functions: it provides lubrication for the rotor bearings and simultaneously serves as a cooling medium for the stator core. The outer peripheral flow path allows the lubricating oil to contact the stator core's outer surface, enabling the same fluid to perform both lubrication and cooling tasks, thereby simplifying the overall system.
2Temperature
If cooling water is passed through the electric motor casing to cool the stator core, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but production cost increases due to the need to form flow paths in the casing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need to form separate cooling water flow paths in the motor casing by combining the cooling function with the existing lubrication system. The lubricating oil flows through the outer peripheral flow path that naturally contacts the stator core, eliminating complex casing modifications while achieving effective cooling.
3Temperature
If a water jacket system is implemented for stator core cooling, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but maintenance cost increases due to management of both cooling water and lubricating oil
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricating oil performs dual functions as both a lubricant for the rotor bearings and a cooling medium for the stator core. By using the same fluid for both purposes, the system eliminates the need to manage separate cooling water and lubricating oil systems, thereby reducing maintenance complexity and operational burden.
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 design enhances cooling efficiency of the stator core while reducing production costs and simplifying maintenance by integrating the cooling mechanism within the motor's structure.
Implementation Method 1
an outer peripheral-side flow path on which lubricating oil is capable of flowing is formed between the core convex portions adjacent to each other in the peripheral direction by the outer peripheral surface of the core main body and the inner peripheral surface of the casing
Implementation Method 2
lubricating oil is directly brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the core main body of the stator core
Data Source
AI summary
An electric motor includes a rotor, a stator, and an electric motor casing. The electric motor casing forms a first accommodating space accommodating a rotary shaft and a rotor core and a stator, and has an inner peripheral surface including an abutting inner peripheral surface in contact with a top portion on the radially outer side of a core convex portion. An outer peripheral-side flow path through which a cooling medium is capable of flowing is formed between the core convex portions adjacent to each other in the peripheral direction. The outer peripheral-side flow path is defined by an outer peripheral surface of the core main body and the inner peripheral surface of the electric motor casing.