Numerical Investigation of Optimal Air Flowrate for Cooling 600 W Brushless Direct-Current Motor

Author(s):  
Hwabhin Kwon ◽  
Heesung Park

Abstract Personal mobility devices have drawn growing attention to relieve the congestion of traffic and air pollution. The efficiency of electric motors is significant in terms of energy utilization, driving range, and lifetime of the devices. In this study, a brushless direct-current (BLDC) motor is numerically investigated to maximize the system efficiency. The inevitable energy losses in the motor are evaluated using heat sources generated in the motor components. The resulting copper and iron losses generate heat and decrease the motor efficiency. With these, the developed three-dimensional numerical model accurately predicts the temperature variations of the motor components in accordance with the experimental results. Numerical simulations are conducted by supplying air flow at a rate of 0 to 40 l/min. The results show that the decreased temperature at copper windings improves the efficiency of the motor as more air flowrate is supplied. Nonetheless, after the temperature at the copper windings reaches 42.5 °C at an air flow of 30 l/min, the temperature remains constant despite additional increase in the air flow. Through a comparison between the improved electrical work by cooling and the consumed energy to supply the air flowrate, the maximum efficiency of the air-cooled BLDC is found to be 86.3% with an optimal air flowrate of 30 l/min.

2020 ◽  
Vol 319 ◽  
pp. 02004
Author(s):  
Muhammad Akif Rahman ◽  
Md Badrath Tamam ◽  
Md Sadman Faruque ◽  
A.K.M. Monjur Morshed

In this paper a numerical analysis of three-dimensional laminar flow through rectangular channel heat sinks of different geometric configuration is presented and a comparison of thermal performance among the heat sinks is discussed. Liquid water was used as coolant in the aluminum made heat sink with a glass cover above it. The aspect ratio (section height to width) of rectangular channels of the mini-channel heat sink was 0.33. A heat flux of 20 W/cm2 was continuously applied at the bottom of the channel with different inlet velocity for Reynold’s number ranging from 150 to 1044. Interconnectors and obstacles at different positions and numbers inside the channel were introduced in order to enhance the thermal performance. These modifications cause secondary flow between the parallel channels and the obstacles disrupt the boundary layer formation of the flow inside the channel which leads to the increase in heat transfer rate. Finally, Nusselt number, overall thermal resistance and maximum temperature of the heat sink were calculated to compare the performances of the modified heat sinks with the conventional mini channel heat sink and it was observed that the heat sink with both interconnectors and obstacles enhanced the thermal performance more significantly than other configurations. A maximum of 36% increase in Nusselt number was observed (for Re =1044).


Author(s):  
Marcin Lefik ◽  
Krzysztof Komeza ◽  
Ewa Napieralska-Juszczak ◽  
Daniel Roger ◽  
Piotr Andrzej Napieralski

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a comparison between reluctance synchronous machine-enabling work at high internal temperature (HT° machine) with laminated and solid rotor. Design/methodology/approach To obtain heat sources for the thermal model, calculations of the electromagnetic field were made using the Opera 3D program including effect of rotation and the resulting eddy current losses. To analyse the thermal phenomenon, the 3D coupled thermal-fluid (CFD) model is used. Findings The presented results show clearly that laminated construction is much better from a point of view of efficiency and temperature. However, solid construction can be interesting for high speed machines due to their mechanical robustness. Research limitations/implications The main problem, despite the use of parallel calculations, is the long calculation time. Practical implications The obtained simulation and experimental results show the possibility of building a machine operating at a much higher ambient temperature than it was previously produced for example in the vicinity of the aircraft turbines. Originality/value The paper presents the application of fully three-dimensional coupled electromagnetic and thermal analysis of new machine constructions designed for elevated temperature.


Sadhana ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 347-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. R. Kale ◽  
S. V. Veeravalli ◽  
H. D. Punekar ◽  
M. M. Yelmule
Keyword(s):  
Air Flow ◽  

2000 ◽  
Vol 124 (1) ◽  
pp. 140-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Schramm ◽  
K. Willenborg ◽  
S. Kim ◽  
S. Wittig

This paper reports numerical predictions and measurements of the flow field in a stepped labyrinth seal. The theoretical work and the experimental investigations were successfully combined to gain a comprehensive understanding of the flow patterns existing in such elements. In order to identify the influence of the honeycomb structure, a smooth stator as well as a seal configuration with a honeycomb facing mounted on the stator wall were investigated. The seal geometry is representative of typical three-step labyrinth seals of modern aero engines. The flow field was predicted using a commercial finite volume code with the standard k-ε turbulence model. The computational grid includes the basic seal geometry as well as the three-dimensional honeycomb structures.


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