Review of physical and mathematical modelling aspects of thermal management of induction motors

Abstract

This review paper summarizes the importance of thermal management system and mathematical models used in the prediction of temperature distribution of an induction motor. The lumped parameter thermal network modelling approach is explained in detail with a suitable example. The recent computational methods and their pros and cons on estimating the temperature distribution are discussed. The experimental method on estimating equivalent value for thermal resistance and capacitance is highlighted from the literature. The understanding on physical mechanism of heat transfer is emphasized to recognize thermal flow path for better utilization of cooling techniques. The recent trend in coupling electromagnetic and thermal phenomena is also considered. This study will be helpful on future design of induction motor to meet difficult constraints.

Thermal Analysis and Cooling Strategies of High-Efficiency Three-Phase Squirrel-Cage Induction Motors—A Review

“…This method assumes that the temperature gradient within a solid is negligible [23]. The model could be upgraded by increasing the number of nodes and accurately designing heat flow directions [24]. Motor-CAD and Open Modelica are some of the software programs used to model thermal networks [19,25].…”

“…Motor housing Axial water flow and tangential water flow [45] Stator Axial water flow and tangential water flow [45] Immersed cooling Motor housing SCIM is submerged in the liquid [47,48] Oil or splash-based cooling Copper coils Direct spraying of oil on the copper coils [22,24,47] Totally enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC) scheme Motor housing Air flow around the housing [46] Totally enclosed water-cooled scheme Stator winding and the rotor Radial and axial directions of water flow [53] Natural water-cooling capillaries (NWCC) Shielding of insulation material Natural ventilation systems surrounding the motor [54] Baffles in coolant pipes/air cooling Stator Coolant pipes with baffles [61] Heat pipe/air cooling Motor housing Heat pipe mounted in the housing [13] Nano-liquid/mixed liquid/air cooling Motor housing Axial water flow and tangential water flow [13] Porous geometry/air cooling End winding Region of porous geometry [9] 4. Future Scope…”

Modeling of high voltage induction motor cooling system using linear regression mathematical models

“…Conventionally, the induction motor electrical and thermal analysis is developed separately to represent the thermal behavior of HVIM [ 3 ]. The electrical equivalent circuit of the motor is developed first to provide losses.…”