Finite element analysis of radial cooled rotating electrical machines

Accurate prediction of temperature distribution in an electrical machine at the design stage is becoming increasingly important. It is essential to kn ow the locations and magnitudes gf hot spot temperatures for optimum design of electrical machines. A methodology based on axisymmetric finite element formulation has been developed to solve the conduction-convection problem in radial cooled machines using a new eight noded solid-fluid coupled eleme nt The axisymmetric model adopted Is formulated purely from dimensional dat a, property data and published convective correlations. Steady state temper atures have been determined for 102kW radial cooled motor at 100 and 75 per cent loads and are validated with experimental results obtained from heat r un tests Parametric studies have been carried out to study the effect of cr itical parameters on temperature distribution and for optimising the design .