Stator Cooling Passage Layout for Even Refrigerant Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric motor designs struggle to effectively cool the stator, particularly in ensuring even distribution and efficient cooling of the entire stator and coil ends.
Innovation Solution
A motor design incorporating a first flow passage with guides to disturb refrigerant flow, distributing it evenly into multiple second flow passages, with specific guide configurations to manage flow resistance and enhance cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a refrigerant flow passage is provided on the outer surface of the stator with guides to disturb refrigerant flow, then cooling efficiency of the stator is improved, but the cooling effectiveness of the entire stator including coil ends is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The flow passage system is segmented into two distinct types: first flow passages extending circumferentially for general stator cooling, and second flow passages extending axially for targeted coil end cooling. This segmentation allows each passage type to address specific cooling needs of different stator regions, ensuring comprehensive thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane circumferential flow passage to a three-dimensional cooling network by introducing axial second flow passages that intersect with the circumferential first flow passages. This dimensional expansion enables refrigerant to reach all stator surfaces including previously hard-to-cool coil ends.
2Manufacturing precision
If guides are provided in the first flow passage to disturb refrigerant flow, then refrigerant distribution is improved, but flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
Guides are strategically positioned only at specific locations within the first flow passage where flow distribution improvement is most needed, rather than throughout the entire passage. This localized approach achieves better refrigerant distribution while minimizing the cumulative flow resistance introduced by guides.
Solution Approach 2:
The guides act as intermediary elements that mediate between the refrigerant flow and the stator cooling surfaces. By providing localized flow disturbance and redirection, they enable even refrigerant distribution to multiple second flow passages without requiring the refrigerant to overcome excessive flow resistance.
3Reliability
If multiple second flow passages are provided to cool the entire stator, then cooling coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple second flow passages are merged with a single circumferential first flow passage, allowing one main passage to serve as a distribution manifold for multiple cooling channels. This merging approach enables comprehensive stator cooling coverage while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent flow passage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The first flow passage serves multiple functions: it acts as a primary cooling channel for the stator body, a distribution manifold for the second flow passages, and a flow regulation system through the guides. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated structures, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity.
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
The design achieves even refrigerant distribution across the stator and coil ends, resulting in enhanced cooling effectiveness and reduced manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of guides is provided in the first flow passage to disturb a flow of refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
The refrigerant is supplied from the supply hole to the first flow passage... The entire stator is thus effectively cooled
Data Source
AI summary
An electric motor disclosed herein may include a stator, a supply hole, a first flow passage, and second flow passages. The first flow passage and the second flow passages may be provided in the stator. The first flow passage may extend along a circumferential direction of the stator. The second flow passages may extend along an axis of the stator and cross the first flow passage. A plurality of guides may be provided in the first flow passage to disturb a flow of refrigerant. The refrigerant is supplied from the supply hole to the first flow passage and disturbed by the guides. A part of the refrigerant of which flow is disturbed flows into the second flow passages. The refrigerant is distributed, thus, the refrigerant flows evenly into the second flow passages. The entire stator is thus effectively cooled.