Integrated Pump Controller Cooling via Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump designs face challenges with limited space optimization due to large controller and motor configurations, leading to heat-related issues and increased torque requirements, and conventional cooling methods are inadequate, causing potential failure and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A compact pump assembly design where the controller is axially flanked by the pump and motor, utilizing pressurized fluid for internal thermal management, with the pump's output flow directed to cool the controller and motor, and a heat conductive cover plate to enhance heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the controller and motor are provided as separate components with conventional cooling, then the controller can be cooled by atmospheric air flow, but the space required for the pump assembly increases and the axial length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is integrated within the pump housing rather than being a separate component, allowing it to share the same space as the pump elements. This merging of controller and pump into a single integrated unit reduces the overall axial length of the assembly while maintaining cooling capability through the pump's output flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump's output flow serves multiple functions: it provides the desired pumping action and simultaneously acts as a cooling medium for the controller. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cooling systems or additional space for cooling components, thereby reducing the axial length while maintaining effective temperature control.
2Ease of manufacture
If the controller is positioned at the back or end of the motor with the pump on the opposite end, then the components can be arranged linearly, but the overall axial length of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging the controller, motor, and pump in a linear axial sequence, the controller is positioned within the radial space of the pump housing. This dimensional reorganization places the controller in the same axial region as the pump elements, transforming a linear arrangement into a compact three-dimensional layout that reduces overall axial length.
3Productivity
If the pump elements are made with larger diameter and length to produce desired displacement, then the pump can deliver required flow, but the torque requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the geometric parameters of the pump elements, specifically the diameter and length, to achieve the desired displacement with minimal torque requirement. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the pump delivers the required flow while reducing the force needed to drive it.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump elements are designed with optimized local characteristics, including specific diameter and length dimensions tailored to the application requirements. This localized optimization ensures that each portion of the pump element contributes efficiently to displacement generation without requiring excessive torque.
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 minimizes the overall axial length of the pump assembly, reduces the diameter of pumping elements, and effectively maintains the controller temperature below a predetermined level, preventing failure and improving performance by integrating active cooling within a compact package.
Implementation Method 1
a heat conductive cover plate to enhance heat dissipation
Implementation Method 2
the pump's output flow directed to cool the controller and motor
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A pump assembly and a method for cooling the same are disclosed. The pump assembly includes a pump, a controller, and a driven electric motor. The pump and the electric motor are on opposing axial sides of the controller. The assembly also has a heat conductive plate positioned between the pump and the controller that conducts heat from the controller. A transfer passage is provided for receiving pressurized fluid output from the pump and to direct the fluid along and in contact with the heat conductive plate to conduct heat therefrom into the pressurized fluid. An outlet passage communicates with the assembly outlet to discharge the pressurized fluid.