High reliability piezoelectric fan cooling for electric machine thermal management

G. M. Gilson, S. J. Pickering, D. B. Hann, C. Gerada

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Electric machine thermal management is critical for the correct operation of high power density aerospace electrical machines. However, with increasing power density, a reliable, fault tolerant cooling mechanism needs to be developed. Piezoelectric fans are presented here as a potential, fault tolerant, forced cooling convective system that may further enhance the overall cooling of electric machines. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) techniques were implemented to map and quantify the flow fields generated by one such fan along the fin base and fin side walls of a vertical straight finned motor heat sink. Common fluid flow governing parameters (vibration amplitude, separation distance, and fin length) were investigated; the optimum fin/fan geometry of which resulted in mean flows in excess of 2.48m/s and turbulence values in excess of 2.00m/s. Detailed thermal results indicate that an average convective heat transfer coefficient enhancement of 340% on the fin base and an enhancement of 36% on each of the fin side walls are attainable. This in turn resulted in a 64% reduction in the electric machine heat sink cooling mass relative to natural convection cooling.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication6th IET International Conference on Power Electronics, Machines and Drives, PEMD 2012
PagesP103
Edition592 CP
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes
Event6th IET International Conference on Power Electronics, Machines and Drives, PEMD 2012 - Bristol, United Kingdom
Duration: 27 Mar 201229 Mar 2012

Publication series

NameIET Conference Publications
Number592 CP
Volume2012

Conference

Conference6th IET International Conference on Power Electronics, Machines and Drives, PEMD 2012
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityBristol
Period27/03/1229/03/12

Keywords

  • Aerospace electric machines
  • Flow visualisation/measurement
  • Forced cooling
  • Heat transfer enhancement
  • Piezoelectric fans

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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