Integrated Motor

An evaporative spray cooled Switched Reluctance Motor with integral drive electronics is proposed. The motivation is to increase power density, efficiency and reliability through improved thermal management. A concept is presented in which all components are contained within a machine frame. The gravity independence and heat transfer efficiency of spray cooling permits the elimination of large heat sinks attached to the power electronics. The resultant volume reduction of the electronics assembly allows it to be easily located within the motor frame; a very thin spray assembly and integral liquid pump are also contained therein. The machine frame serves as a condenser, rejecting heat to the ambient environment. The primary focus of the Phase I program will be an experimental investigation into the key feasibility issue of rotor drag, particularly in the compressible flow regime that would be encountered in very high speed machines. Spray cooling heat transfer efficiency in this environment will also be researched. Alternative Stator configurations to maximize performance will be examined both analytically and experimentally.