Pump Motor Cooling via Segmented Fluid Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ELOP pumps experience non-uniform cooling of electric motors due to varying mounting conditions and orientations, leading to suction pressure drops and inefficient fluid distribution.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a calibrated, permanently open cooling line with a first conduit developed from a high-pressure area of the pumping means, ensuring uniform heat exchange by regulating the flow rate and pressure of the working fluid, which is used to cool both the electric motor and electronic unit, and features a housing configuration that maintains the motor partially or fully immersed in the working fluid for effective cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If working fluid is tapped off to cool the electric motor through a conduit, then the motor cooling function is improved, but the cooling becomes non-uniform and depends on mounting conditions and orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple independent cooling circuits: a first cooling circuit with a first conduit for motor cooling, and a second cooling circuit with a second conduit for electronic unit cooling. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized independently, ensuring uniform cooling performance regardless of mounting orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pump are provided with different cooling characteristics through dedicated conduits. The first conduit is positioned to cool the motor area, while the second conduit cools the electronic unit area. This local quality approach ensures that each component receives appropriate cooling independent of the overall pump orientation.
2Temperature
If working fluid is diverted through a cooling conduit, then motor cooling is achieved, but suction pressure drops occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling conduits are designed to extract only the necessary amount of working fluid for cooling purposes, rather than diverting a large portion. The calibrated design of the conduits ensures that sufficient fluid remains in the main pumping circuit to maintain adequate suction pressure, while still providing effective cooling through the designated pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling conduits act as intermediary pathways that allow heat transfer from the motor and electronic unit to the working fluid without creating a major obstruction to the main fluid flow. The conduits are positioned and sized to facilitate cooling while minimizing interference with the primary pumping function and suction pressure.
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 solution prevents suction pressure drops while optimizing fluid distribution and cooling, ensuring consistent performance across different mounting orientations and maintaining efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
some of the working fluid, before being processed by the pumping means, is tapped off and made to pass through a conduit at the electric motor for cooling the latter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Pump (1) comprising: - means (2) for pumping a working fluid; - an electric motor (3) for actuating the pumping means (2); said motor (3) comprising a stator (31) and a rotor (32) that interact for the actuation of the pumping means (2); said rotor (32) being rotatable about an axis of rotation (320); a shell (8) that encloses a stator (31) of the electric motor (3); - an electronic unit (4) for controlling the electric motor (3); - a conduit (5) for the delivery of the working fluid downstream of the pumping means (2); - a line (6) for cooling the electric motor (3) and the electronic unit (4), said cooling line (6) drawing off the working fluid processed by the pumping means (2). The cooling line (6) comprises: i) at least a first cavity (621) in which said working fluid circulates; said first cavity (621) being partially defined by the stator (31) and partially by the shell (8). ii) a heat exchange manifold (92) into which said at least a first cavity (621) opens and which is intended to cool said electronic unit (4); iii) a return manifold (93) positioned downstream of the heat exchange manifold (92); iv) means (63) for the communication of fluid from said heat exchange manifold (92) to said return manifold (93); the fluid communication means (63) are at least partially defined by the stator (31).