Liquid cooling flow rates for proper cooling of an induction motor
Liquid cooling flow rates for proper cooling of an induction motor
(OP)
I need to determine the minimum flow rate of liquid required to cool a random wound 3 phase induction motor (150Hp, 575v). This will be a submerged pump which will divert a +40C fluid through the motor housing along with through the air gap. How can I relate the required flow per motor watt loss in order to maintain a class F temp limit? This fluid temperature is fixed and cannot be changed.





RE: Liquid cooling flow rates for proper cooling of an induction motor
Are you saying you want to adapt an air cooled motor and run fluid through it?
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RE: Liquid cooling flow rates for proper cooling of an induction motor
RE: Liquid cooling flow rates for proper cooling of an induction motor
And yes, turbulence affects the cooling efficiency and you have to adjust for it.
RE: Liquid cooling flow rates for proper cooling of an induction motor
As burnt2x stated, the specific heat capacity will affect the coolant's temp rise for some given amount of heat. ScottyUK pointed out that the fluid flow will be turbulent. Turbulence generally increases the rate of heat transfer across a boundary, although this effect is nonlinear and computationally non trivial. Turbulence is a function of velocity as well as fluid viscocity and, while it may improve boundary transfer efficiency, it will adversely affect the flow rate through the motor's gaps. Or require higher pumping power to maintain a given mass flow rate.
A thermodynamics person could probably dig up some empirical data comparing the performance of various cooling fluids that you can use to adjust your current experience.