Rotating Electric Machine Cooling Structure with Symmetric Refrigerant Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling structures for rotating electric machines are inefficient in uniformly distributing refrigerant to cool the stator coils, leading to uneven temperature distribution and reduced cooling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cooling structure with refrigerant supply ports arranged symmetrically around an imaginary vertical plane, opposite to the corner portions of the coils, and positioned radially outward for upper coils and radially inward for central coils, ensuring effective contact with both axial and circumferential end faces, and allowing gravity-driven flow for enhanced cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If refrigerant supply ports are arranged in conventional positions, then the structure is simple, but the cooling efficiency is reduced due to uneven temperature distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant supply ports are positioned at specific locations corresponding to corner portions of the coils, creating localized cooling zones where refrigerant is most needed. This non-uniform distribution pattern targets heat generation areas, improving cooling efficiency without requiring complex additional structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant supply ports are arranged not only in the circumferential direction but also strategically positioned in the axial direction to correspond with corner portions of coils. This multi-dimensional arrangement ensures refrigerant reaches all critical cooling zones effectively.
2Reliability
If refrigerant supply ports are positioned to cool all coil areas uniformly, then cooling efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attempting to cool all coil areas uniformly with multiple ports, the invention focuses refrigerant supply on corner portions where heat generation is most intense. This targeted approach achieves effective cooling with a simpler port arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling function is segmented by focusing refrigerant supply on specific critical zones (corner portions of coils) rather than attempting uniform coverage. This segmentation allows effective cooling with fewer, strategically positioned ports.
3Ease of manufacture
If refrigerant is supplied without considering flow direction and gravity, then the structure is simple, but temperature distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant supply ports are positioned to utilize gravity-driven flow, creating an equipotential cooling system where refrigerant naturally flows from upper to lower regions. This eliminates the need for complex pumping mechanisms while ensuring uniform temperature distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant supply ports are positioned asymmetrically relative to coil positions, with specific ports located at radially outer positions for upper coils and radially inner positions for central coils. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes refrigerant flow paths and ensures even temperature distribution.
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 configuration improves cooling efficiency by ensuring uniform cooling across the stator coils, preventing temperature disparities and optimizing refrigerant distribution, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the rotating electric machine.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of refrigerant supply ports are arranged at a position opposite to the corner portion located at a vertically upper side... ensuring effective contact with both axial and circumferential end faces... ensuring uniform cooling across the stator coils
Implementation Method 2
allowing gravity-driven flow for enhanced cooling
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling structure for a rotating electric machine includes a stator, a plurality of refrigerant supply ports, and a refrigerant supply passage. The stator includes a stator core, an insulating member, and a plurality of coils. Each of the plurality of coils includes a corner portion having an arc shape when viewed in a radial direction. The plurality of refrigerant supply ports are arranged at a distance from the plurality of coils in a rotational axis direction. Each of the plurality of refrigerant supply ports is arranged at a position opposite to the corner portion located at a vertically upper side, on both sides of an imaginary vertical plane.