Ship Propulsion Unit Cooling via Vertical Water Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ship propulsion units face challenges in achieving a strength-wise optimal design for motor housing connections while maintaining effective cooling, as direct water circulation around the motor housing circumference is hindered by structural constraints, leading to reduced cooling efficiency and potential hot spots.
Innovation Solution
A closed liquid cooling system is implemented, either as a closed liquid tank or a closed liquid circulation system, which contacts the top part of the motor housing section, providing direct thermal exchange and enhancing cooling without compromising structural integrity or increasing outer dimensions and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the supporting section is welded directly to the top of the motor housing section to achieve strength-wise optimal design, then the structural strength is improved, but the water circulation cooling efficiency deteriorates due to blocked access to the motor housing circumference
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from horizontal water circulation around the motor housing circumference to vertical water circulation through the support section. By directing water flow from below through the support section to cool the motor housing top surface, the cooling path moves to a different spatial dimension, resolving the conflict between structural strength and cooling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of cooling the motor housing from the outside circumference inward, the invention inverts the approach by cooling from the top surface downward through the support section. This inverted cooling direction allows the support section to serve dual purposes: structural support and heat dissipation pathway.
2Temperature
If water is allowed to circulate freely around the motor housing for optimal cooling, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but the structural integrity and compactness deteriorate due to increased outer dimensions and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The support section is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support for the motor housing and serving as a heat dissipation pathway for water circulation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cooling structures, reducing overall weight and maintaining compact dimensions while achieving effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the structural support function and the cooling function into a single integrated component (the support section). By combining these functions, the design avoids adding separate cooling structures that would increase weight and dimensions, achieving both structural integrity and thermal management in a compact configuration.
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 ensures efficient cooling of the electric motor by maintaining thermal contact with the motor housing and surrounding water, while providing a structurally superior and compact propulsion unit with reduced weight and dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
exchanging thermal energy between the electric motor (3) arranged in the cylindrical section (7) of the motor housing section (6) and water surrounding the propulsion unit via the shell structure (1)
Implementation Method 2
liquid in the closed liquid cooling system (9) is in direct contact with the shell structure (1) for exchanging thermal energy between liquid in the closed liquid cooling system (9) and water surrounding the propulsion unit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a ship's propulsion unit comprising a closed liquid cooling system (9) having an inner space (10) containing liquid. The inner space (10) is partly limited by a cylindrical outer surface (8) of a cylindrical section (7) of a motor housing section (6) of the propulsion unit for exchanging thermal energy between an electric motor (3) arranged in the cylindrical section (7) of the motor housing section (6) and liquid in the inner space (10). The inner space (10) of the closed liquid cooling system (9) is partly limited by the shell structure (1) of the propulsion unit so that liquid in the inner space (10) is in direct contact with the shell structure (1) of the propulsion unit for exchanging thermal energy between liquid in the inner space (10) and water surrounding the propulsion unit via the shell structure (1) of the propulsion unit.