Defining Heat Generation Rate for Solenoid & Motor in thermal simulation
Defining Heat Generation Rate for Solenoid & Motor in thermal simulation
(OP)
How to define the heat generation rate for Solenoids and Motors for thermal simulation. I know the power rating for these components, but again some of the energy is used for mechanical action rest is wasted as heat.
Do I have to use the total wattage or fraction of it while defining the Heat Generation Rate. I am using Solidworks Flow simulation.
Do I have to use the total wattage or fraction of it while defining the Heat Generation Rate. I am using Solidworks Flow simulation.





RE: Defining Heat Generation Rate for Solenoid & Motor in thermal simulation
Since solenoids only produce mechanical work intermittently, you should definitely not bother to subtract that.
For motors, it would be conservative to use whatever current is allowed by the motor protection, which probably exceeds the nameplate rating of the motor.
... assuming you're interested in generating some 'worst case' data with your simulation. I'm not clear what value a 'normal' condition would have for most engineering.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Defining Heat Generation Rate for Solenoid & Motor in thermal simulation
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RE: Defining Heat Generation Rate for Solenoid & Motor in thermal simulation
I.e., you can probably get a worst case now, but the thermal simulation should proceed in coordination with your FMEA.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Defining Heat Generation Rate for Solenoid & Motor in thermal simulation
RE: Defining Heat Generation Rate for Solenoid & Motor in thermal simulation
You can oversize the components, or use high temperature insulation systems, or provide heat sinks, but it's usually cheaper and more compact to add a few transistors. Talk to your system design people about the issue, and to resolve what operational or failure modes you are expected to simulate.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA