Rotary Machine Refrigerant Groove Layout for Motor and Impeller Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary machines face challenges in efficiently cooling electric motors and impellers due to restrictions on forming cooling channels, which affect the cooling efficiency and manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A rotary machine design featuring a flow path groove on the inner circumferential surface of an outer portion and a return groove on the back wall, forming a one-pass channel that efficiently cools the stator and impeller using a refrigerant, with minimal manufacturing restrictions and improved formability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling channels are formed in the inner case surrounding the stator, then cooling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity and restrictions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channel function is extracted from the inner case and relocated to the outer portion. The flow path groove is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer portion, separating the cooling function from the stator housing structure. This allows the inner case to focus on its primary structural role while the outer portion provides the cooling function, reducing manufacturing restrictions on the inner case.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling channel is repositioned from a three-dimensional internal structure of the inner case to a two-dimensional groove on the surface of the outer portion. This dimensional change simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing the flow path groove to be formed through surface operations on the outer portion rather than requiring complex internal channel formation in the inner case.
2Temperature
If traditional cooling channels are formed in the inner case, then cooling function is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channel function is extracted from the inner case and assigned to the outer portion. The flow path groove on the inner circumferential surface of the outer portion provides the cooling function, simplifying the overall structure by eliminating the need for complex internal cooling channels in the inner case.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer portion is given multiple functions: it provides structural support as the external housing and simultaneously provides the cooling function through the flow path groove. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated cooling structures, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Temperature
If cooling channels are formed near the electric motor, then heat generation is inhibited, but manufacturing restrictions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is extracted from the inner case and implemented in the outer portion through the flow path groove. This allows the cooling channel to be formed in the outer portion which is more accessible for manufacturing operations such as die casting or steel deep drawing, reducing manufacturing restrictions while maintaining effective heat inhibition near the electric motor.
4Ease of manufacture
If flow path groove is formed on the outer portion, then manufacturing ease is improved, but cooling channel formation restrictions remain
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channel formation is extracted from the inner case and relocated to the outer portion. The flow path groove is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer portion, which can be manufactured using standard processes like die casting or steel deep drawing without requiring complex mold designs or post-manufacturing channel formation operations.
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
Enhances cooling efficiency and reduces manufacturing complexity by allowing for uniform cooling of the stator and impeller, while improving manufacturing ease and reducing costs through techniques like steel deep drawing and die casting.
Implementation Method 1
heat generation of the electric motor is inhibited by a refrigerant passing through the cooling channel
Implementation Method 2
a flow path groove formed on the inner circumferential surface and through which a refrigerant passes
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary machine includes an electric motor including a rotor and a stator, a rotating shaft to be rotated driving the electric motor, an impeller attached to the rotating shaft, an inner case surrounding the stator and to which the stator is fixed, and an outer portion externally mounted on the inner case. The outer portion includes an inner circumferential surface facing an outer circumferential surface of the inner case, and a flow path groove formed on the inner circumferential surface and through which a refrigerant passes.