Integrated Electromagnetic Pumping for Direct-Cooled Stator Windings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric machines face efficiency limitations due to heat buildup in rotor and stator components, which is often mitigated by separate coolant pumps that reduce overall efficiency and are prone to maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
An integrated electric machine with an electromagnetic pumping system that circulates a conductive fluid through direct cooled windings, eliminating the need for separate mechanical pumps and incorporating a heat exchanger to cool the fluid, thereby enhancing cooling efficiency and reducing maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If separate mechanical pumps are used to circulate coolant through stator and rotor windings, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but overall machine efficiency deteriorates and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coolant pumping function with the electromagnetic stator windings by making the stator windings themselves electrically conductive and using them as electromagnetic pump elements. This integration eliminates separate mechanical pumps, reducing energy losses and improving overall machine efficiency while maintaining effective cooling of the windings.
Solution Approach 2:
The stator windings serve dual functions: they generate electromagnetic fields for motor/generator operation and simultaneously act as electromagnetic pumps to circulate the conductive coolant through the windings. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and improves system efficiency.
2Temperature
If separate mechanical pumps are used for coolant circulation, then cooling capability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coolant circulation system with the electromagnetic stator by making the stator windings electrically conductive and using them directly as electromagnetic pump elements. This integration eliminates separate mechanical pumps and associated mechanical components, thereby reducing device complexity and maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical pumps with an electromagnetic pumping system where electrically conductive coolant is pumped by electromagnetic fields generated by the stator windings themselves. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts, reducing complexity and maintenance needs.
3Temperature
If electrically conductive coolant is used for cooling, then cooling efficiency is improved, but electrical leakage risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the electrical circuit and coolant circulation system by making the stator windings electrically conductive and using them as electromagnetic pumps. Since the stator windings are already part of the electrical system and properly insulated, this integration maintains electrical reliability while enabling efficient cooling through the conductive coolant.
Solution Approach 2:
The stator windings act as an intermediary that bridges the electrical and hydraulic systems. They generate electromagnetic fields to pump the conductive coolant while being part of the existing electrical system with appropriate insulation, thus managing electrical leakage risks.
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 integrated system effectively cools the electric machine components, increases power density, and minimizes maintenance by eliminating mechanical pumps and potential coolant leaks, while allowing for high-conductivity fluids to enhance performance.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic pumping system in communication with the stator... pumping a conductive fluid through direct cooled windings of the stator by a number of electromagnetic pump windings
Implementation Method 2
absorbing heat in the conductive fluid from the direct cooled windings of the stator
Implementation Method 3
pumping the conductive fluid to a heat exchanger, and cooling the conductive fluid in the heat exchanger
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application provides an integrated electric machine. The integrated electric machine includes a stator, a rotor positioned within the stator, and an electromagnetic pumping system in communication with the stator.