Thermal analysis of modified segmented switched reluctance motor with aluminium metal matrix composite fins used in cooling fan applications

Abstract

The switched reluctance motor (SRM) plays a significant role in many industrial applications. Among the various topologies of SRM, modified segmented rotor SRM (MSRSRM) overcomes the shortfalls of conventional SRM. From an application perspective, the analysis of electromagnetic and thermal aspects of segmented rotor SRM becomes crucial. In the present work, the thermal analysis for modified segmented rotor SRM used in cooling fan applications is detailed. The effect of temperature rises in the different parts of the machine due to electromagnetic losses is identified by using the finite element software package ANSYS. External fin-based convective cooling strategy is adopted and analysed for the MSRSRM proposed in the present work. Choosing the suitable fin material and arrangements of fins play a crucial role in the effective thermal management of the MSRSRM. Three different Aluminium (Al) Metal Matrix Composites (MMC) based fins are considered for this analysis. In addition, the optimum number of fins and their thickness are also identified using thermal analysis. The results revealed that the Al/Diamond MMC-based fins are more effective compared with other fin materials. Also, the axial type-thin fin (1mm) arrangement yields better results compared with other fin arrangements.