Ship Propulsion Cooling Layout With Parallel Motor-Inverter Jackets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ship propulsion machines with electric motors and inverters face challenges in efficiently cooling these components due to long cooling water flow paths, leading to significant pressure loss and the need for high-capacity pumps. Additionally, it is difficult to individually optimize the cooling capacity for each component based on their respective heat generation rates.
Innovation Solution
The proposed ship propulsion machine incorporates a cooling mechanism where the motor water jacket and the inverter water jacket are connected in parallel through a branch passage to the first cooling water passage. This configuration allows for the distribution and supply of cooling water to both jackets, reducing pressure loss and enabling easier optimization of cooling capacities based on individual heat generation rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the water jacket of the inverter and the water jacket of the motor are connected in series to the cooling water passage, then the cooling water flow path is formed, but the cooling water flow path becomes long resulting in significant pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling water passage is segmented into multiple independent paths: a first cooling water passage for the inverter water jacket and a second cooling water passage for the motor water jacket. This segmentation allows each component to have its own dedicated cooling path, eliminating the series connection that caused excessive pressure loss while ensuring reliable cooling for both components.
2Reliability
If the water jacket of the inverter and the water jacket of the motor are connected in series, then cooling is provided, but it is difficult to individually set flow rates in response to respective heat generation amounts
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into separate cooling circuits for the inverter and motor, each with independent flow control. This allows the flow rate of cooling water to be individually adjusted for each component based on its specific heat generation characteristics, enabling optimized cooling performance for both the inverter and motor simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If a pump with high discharge capacity is used to overcome pressure loss, then cooling water can flow smoothly, but pump size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the cooling water passage into parallel paths for the inverter and motor, the flow resistance for each path is reduced compared to a series connection. This allows the use of a smaller pump with lower power consumption while still maintaining smooth cooling water flow to both components effectively.
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 parallel connection of the motor and inverter water jackets enhances cooling efficiency by reducing pressure loss and allows for the use of smaller pumps while enabling individual optimization of cooling capacities for each component, effectively addressing the inefficiencies of series connections.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling mechanism configured to cool the motor and the inverter... a motor water jacket provided in the motor and configured to cool the motor by allowing cooling water to flow therein... an inverter water jacket provided in the inverter and configured to cool the inverter by allowing the cooling water to flow therein
Data Source
AI summary
A ship propulsion machine includes a motor, an inverter, a propeller, a power transmission mechanism, and a cooling mechanism. The cooling mechanism includes: a motor water jacket configured to cool the motor by allowing cooling water to flow therein; an inverter water jacket configured to cool the inverter by allowing the cooling water to flow therein; a first cooling water passage configured to allow the cooling water to flow toward the motor water jacket and the inverter water jacket; and a branch passage connecting the motor water jacket and the inverter water jacket to the first cooling water passage such that the motor water jacket and the inverter water jacket are connected in parallel with each other. The branch passage is configured to distribute and supply the cooling water flowing in the first cooling water passage to the motor water jacket and the inverter water jacket.