Strut-Integrated Motor Cooling System for Electric Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cooling systems for electric components in propulsion systems require significant space and air movement, making them inefficient and space-constrained.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system is integrated within a strut supporting the propulsion system, using a cooling fluid that is cooled via a heat exchanger in a heat exchange relationship with a secondary fluid, such as airflow generated by the vehicle's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cooler is arranged within the fluid loop to remove heat from the oil, then the cooling function is achieved, but the space requirement and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is merged with the existing strut structure by integrating the heat exchanger into the strut that supports the propulsion system. This combination allows the cooling function to be achieved without requiring additional dedicated space, as the strut serves dual purposes: structural support and heat exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The strut is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the propulsion system while also housing the heat exchanger for cooling the electric component. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cooling components, reducing overall space requirements.
2Temperature
If a cooler is arranged within the fluid loop to remove heat from the oil, then the cooling function is achieved, but the system complexity increases due to requiring an air movement system
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger utilizes airflow that is already present in the environment or generated by the vehicle's movement, eliminating the need for dedicated air movement systems. The system serves itself by capturing ambient or propulsion-generated airflow for cooling purposes, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the existing airflow field as an intermediary medium to transfer heat from the cooling fluid to the external environment. Instead of requiring a complex air movement system, the design leverages the natural or propulsion-generated airflow to perform the heat rejection function.
3Area of stationary object
If cooling components are integrated within the strut, then space and weight requirements are reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is designed as a modular component that can be independently manufactured and then integrated into the strut assembly. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing of the heat exchanger portion while keeping the overall strut design manageable, balancing manufacturing complexity with space savings.
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 reduces the space and weight requirements for cooling systems, enhances efficiency by utilizing onboard airflow for cooling, and minimizes energy consumption by integrating cooling components within the strut.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling system operably coupled to the electric component of the at least one propulsion system. A portion of the cooling system is arranged within the strut
Implementation Method 2
heat is removed from the cooling fluid within the portion of the cooling system by a secondary fluid
Implementation Method 3
the secondary fluid is air driven by the propulsion system
Implementation Method 4
the secondary fluid is air driven by the propulsion system
Implementation Method 5
the secondary fluid is air driven by the propulsion system
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a body, at least one propulsion system including an electric component, a strut extending between the body and the at least one propulsion system, and a cooling system operably coupled to the electric component of the at least one propulsion system. A portion of the cooling system is arranged within the strut.