Tangential-Flow Cooling Module With Nested Motor Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling modules for electric or hybrid motor vehicles are bulky due to the external location of the turbomachine motor, which occupies space and hinders compact design.
Innovation Solution
The cooling module integrates the turbomachine motor within the housing, with the turbine blades arranged circumferentially around the rotor, allowing the motor to be enclosed inside the turbomachine, reducing overall dimensions while maintaining airflow efficiency by positioning the motor inside the hollow cylinder formed by the turbine blades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the motor is located outside the housing of the cooling module, then the motor can be easily mounted and maintained, but the overall dimensions of the cooling module increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is nested inside the hollow cylinder formed by the turbine blades, with the rotor positioned within the vortex area. This nesting arrangement allows the motor to occupy space that would otherwise be unused, reducing the overall width of the cooling module while maintaining ease of assembly through modular internal positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The motor is repositioned from an external lateral arrangement to an internal axial arrangement within the turbine housing. By utilizing the vertical space inside the hollow cylinder and positioning components along the axis of rotation, the design reduces the width dimension while maintaining motor functionality
2Volume of stationary object
If the motor is integrated within the turbomachine, then the volume of the cooling module is reduced, but the motor may obstruct airflow through the turbine
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is positioned specifically within the vortex area at the center of the turbine, where airflow velocity is naturally minimal. This localized positioning ensures that the motor occupies only the low-velocity core region while leaving the high-velocity outer regions of the turbine blades unobstructed for efficient airflow circulation
Solution Approach 2:
The vortex, which is a natural byproduct of tangential flow through the turbine, is converted into a beneficial space for motor placement. The rotational vortex creates a central low-velocity zone that naturally accommodates the motor without interfering with the primary airflow path, turning a potential obstruction into a space-saving opportunity
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 configuration reduces the width volume of the cooling module without compromising ventilation performance, as the motor is located within a vortex area, not obstructing airflow, thus achieving a more compact and efficient design.
Implementation Method 1
the flow of air within the turbine is tangential, thus creating a vortex at the center of the turbine, i.e. a space in which the airflow velocity is virtually zero
Data Source
AI summary
Cooling module including a housing, configured to accept a tangential-flow turbomachine including a turbine with at least one stage of blades forming a hollow cylinder, the turbomachine also including a motor configured to drive the rotation of the turbine, the motor including a stator and a rotor mounted with the ability to rotate about the stator. The stator of the motor is secured to the housing in such a way that the blades of the turbine are arranged circumferentially around the rotor of the motor. The at least one stage of blades of the turbine is mechanically connected to the rotor of the motor so as to be driven in rotation thereby.