Thermal profiling of a switched reluctance machine with 6/4 pole topology

Abstract

This paper presents a thermal analysis of a switched reluctance machine (SRM) with a 6/4 pole topology. Employing a two-dimensional  thermal finite element model in Maxwell 2D integrated into a lumped parameter thermal network in MotorCAD, the research aims to  realize critical temperature points within the SRM, focusing on the windings and laminations to identify potential hotspots. To ensure  continuous operation without compromising structural integrity, temperature constraints of 150 °C for the windings and 100 °C for the laminations were enforced. The investigation extends to the cooling domain by utilizing a housing cooling jacket and ethylene glycol and  water ratio (EGW) of 60/40 as the cooling fluid. An exploration of various volume flow rates revealed that 15 l/min was the optimal choice,  resulting in the lowest temperatures observed in both the winding and lamination regions. This study emphasizes the shift of  hotspot temperatures from the stator winding in the low-speed region to the rotor in the high-speed range, impacting the overall  continuous operating time. This holistic examination significantly contributes to a broader understanding of electric machine thermal  management and offers invaluable insights for practical applications in electric vehicles, manufacturing processes, and various industrial  settings.