Thermal and Mechanical Analysis of a 72/48 Switched Reluctance Motor for Low-Speed Direct-Drive Mining Applications

Abstract

In the process of electric motor design, it is essential to predict and provide an accurate thermal and mechanical model. The aim of this research is to improve the thermal and mechanical performance—which is implemented into a 72/48 switched reluctance motor (SRM) with 75 kW—of a low-speed direct-drive mining system (pulverizer). Thermal analysis of the SRM requires a deep understanding of the coolant behavior and the thermal mechanism in the motor. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based finite element analysis (FEA) was carried out in order to precisely visualize and estimate fluid state and temperature distribution inside the motor. Several different coolant configurations were carried out, with the purpose of determining an appropriate one for uniform temperature distribution in the SRM. The natural frequencies are presented with the developed finite element mechanical, structural model. To adapt in the mining application, the cooling jacket configurations with 17 channels and the shaft with spoke was found to be optimal for the SRM, which may raise the natural frequency and reduce the weight and temperature of the motor. The simulations results showed a good agreement with experimental results regarding temperature distribution within the motor.