Thermal Analysis and Heat Management Strategies for an Induction Motor, a Review

Abstract

Induction motors have gained a renewed interest due to this new shift from conventional power sources to electric power. These motors are known for their high commencing torque, adequate speed control and reasonable overload capacity. However, induction motors have an innate thermal issue wherein their lifespan and performance are strongly temperature dependent. Hence, it is highly essential to focus on the thermal management aspect of these motors to ensure reliability and enhance performance. Thus, the major purpose of the paper is to comprehensively review various approaches and methods for thermal analysis, including finite element analysis, lumped parameter thermal network and computational fluid dynamics tools. Moreover, it also presents various cooling strategies commonly adopted in induction motors. Furthermore, this study also suggests an integrated approach with two or more cooling strategies to be the need of the hour. These will combine the benefits of the individual system while helping to counter their drawbacks. This study will help to serve members of the scientific community, manufacturers or motors users who are interested in the thermal management of induction motors.

Keywords

• lumped parameter thermal networks
• computational fluid dynamics
• finite element analysis
• thermal analysis
• heat transfer
• thermal management