Elevator Machine Stator Cooling with Radial Heat Sink Fins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric machines, particularly those used in elevator systems, face inefficiencies in heat dissipation from stator windings, which can lead to reduced operational efficiency and reliability due to inadequate cooling methods.
Innovation Solution
The integration of heat sink segments with radially inwardly extending fins secured to the stator shell, combined with a cooling airflow that transfers thermal energy, enhances the cooling efficiency of stator windings in electric machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a blower is utilized to blow cooling air across the stator windings, then cooling is provided, but the heat dissipation efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface cooling (blower air flow across stator windings) to three-dimensional heat dissipation by adding heat sink segments with fins that extend radially inwardly. This dimensional expansion creates additional cooling surfaces and improves heat transfer efficiency from the stator windings.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat sink is divided into multiple discrete heat sink segments that are positioned around the stator windings. Each segment includes fins that independently dissipate heat, allowing for distributed heat removal across the stator assembly and improving overall cooling effectiveness.
2Loss of energy
If heat sink segments with fins are added to increase surface area, then heat dissipation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat sink segments serve multiple functions: they provide thermal dissipation through their finned surfaces, structurally support the stator windings, and can be configured to fit within existing machine geometry. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate cooling components, offsetting the added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat sink segments are strategically positioned at specific locations around the stator windings where heat generation is highest. The fins are configured to extend radially inwardly to maximize contact with hot spots, providing localized heat dissipation where it is most needed rather than uniform cooling throughout the entire assembly.
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 solution effectively increases the operational efficiency and reliability of electric machines by improving heat dissipation from stator windings, allowing for more effective thermal energy transfer and increased surface area for cooling.
Implementation Method 1
The cooling airflow is flowed across the plurality of heat sink segments, thus transferring thermal energy between the cooling airflow and the plurality of stator windings
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of heat sink segments are secured to a radially inboard surface of the stator shell. Each heat sink segment of the plurality of heat sink segments includes a base portion located at the radially inboard surface and a plurality of fins extending radially inwardly from the base portion
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an electric machine includes a rotor including a plurality of permanent magnets and rotatable about a central axis of the machine. The machine further includes a stator including a cylindrical stator shell and a plurality of stator windings positioned at the stator shell and located radially inboard of the plurality of permanent magnets. A plurality of heat sink segments are secured to a radially inboard surface of the stator shell. Each heat sink segment of the plurality of heat sink segments includes a base portion located at the radially inboard surface and a plurality of fins extending radially inwardly from the base portion.