Stator Slot Coolant Barrier Structure for Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for rotary electric machines, such as switched reluctance motors, are not optimized for efficient heat dissipation, leading to reduced efficiency and shortened lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A stator assembly with a coolant wall assembly comprising a radially inner wall, a radially outer insert, and sealing members, which forms a barrier structure within stator slots to contain cooling fluid and maintain proper coolant velocity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cooling systems are used in rotary electric machines, then the structure is simple, but cooling efficiency is insufficient leading to reduced efficiency and shortened lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple functional components: a coolant wall assembly with multiple coolant channels, sealing members positioned at specific locations, and a barrier structure with radially inner and outer walls. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, improving overall cooling efficiency and reliability while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Sealing members are introduced as intermediary elements between the coolant channels and the stator coils. These sealing members prevent coolant leakage and maintain proper coolant flow velocity, thereby improving cooling efficiency and extending machine lifespan without requiring a complete redesign of the cooling system architecture
2Productivity
If cooling fluid is not contained properly in stator slots, then coolant velocity decreases, but without a barrier structure the system is simpler
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier structure is segmented into a radially inner wall and a radially outer wall that define separate coolant channels. This segmentation contains the cooling fluid within specific regions, maintaining proper coolant velocity and flow patterns essential for effective heat dissipation
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier structure is extracted as a separate, removable component that can be installed within the stator slots. This allows the barrier function to be added without modifying the fundamental stator structure, maintaining relative simplicity while achieving the desired coolant containment and velocity maintenance
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, extends the life of the rotary electric machine, and reduces user costs by maintaining coolant within the stator slots, facilitating better heat dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
forms a barrier structure within stator slots to contain cooling fluid and maintain proper coolant velocity
Implementation Method 2
the generated heat is drawn away from the from the rotary electric machines through the use of cooling fluids, such as oil
Data Source
AI summary
A stator assembly including a circumferential stator core with a plurality of stator poles; a plurality of stator slots located between a pair of adjacent stator poles; a plurality of conductive coils surrounding a portion of each stator pole, and a coolant wall assembly. The coolant wall assembly may extend between a pair of adjacent stator poles at a radially inner end of each stator pole, and include a unitary, radially inner wall spanning between, and secured to, the pair of adjacent stator poles on opposing sides of an individual stator slot; a radially outer insert located adjacent the radially inner wall and between the pair of adjacent stator poles; and at least one sealing member positioned radially between the radially outer insert and the plurality of conductive coils.