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Active Thermal Management of Electric Motors and Generators Using Thermoelectric (Peltier Effect) Technology

Author

Listed:
  • Stephen Lucas

    (UniSA STEM, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
    Lucas Solutions Pty. Ltd., Hazelwood North, VIC 3840, Australia)

  • Romeo Marian

    (UniSA STEM, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia)

  • Michael Lucas

    (UniSA STEM, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia)

  • Titilayo Ogunwa

    (UniSA STEM, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia)

  • Javaan Chahl

    (UniSA STEM, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
    Defence Science and Technology Group, Joint and Operations Analysis Division, Melbourne, VIC 3207, Australia)

Abstract

Electric motors and generators underpin life in today’s world. They are numerous and widespread and consume approximately 45% of the world’s energy. Any improvements in efficiency or reductions in their whole-of-life costs are actively and continually being sought. While designs accommodate the removal of heat caused by internal losses because of inefficiencies, temperature variations due to load changes and environmental temperature fluctuations, and system harmonic content still stresses electrical insulation systems. This causes the fretting of insulation, combined with moisture ingress, which leads to leakage currents and, consequently, the early failure of the electrical insulation. This paper explores the addition of thermoelectric coolers/heaters (TECs) or Peltier effect devices. We show that these solid-state devices can actively support the thermal management of a motor by keeping its internals hot, reducing moisture ingress when off, and assisting in heat removal when under load, resulting in a more thermally stable internal environment. A thermally stable environment inside the electrical machine reduces the mechanical stresses on the electrical insulation, resulting in a longer operational life and reducing the whole-of-life costs.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephen Lucas & Romeo Marian & Michael Lucas & Titilayo Ogunwa & Javaan Chahl, 2023. "Active Thermal Management of Electric Motors and Generators Using Thermoelectric (Peltier Effect) Technology," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-16, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:9:p:3844-:d:1136987
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stephen Lucas & Romeo Marian & Michael Lucas & Saiful Bari & Titilayo Ogunwa & Javaan Chahl, 2022. "Research in Life Extension of Electrical Motors by Controlling the Impact of the Environment through Employing Peltier Effect," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-16, October.
    2. Stephen Lucas & Romeo Marian & Michael Lucas & Titilayo Ogunwa & Javaan Chahl, 2023. "Employing the Peltier Effect to Control Motor Operating Temperatures," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-15, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Felix Leitenberger & Sven Matthiesen, 2024. "Thermal Testing and System Reliability: Transferring Thermal Interactions by Heat Conduction through a Peltier-Based Thermal Coupling System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-15, February.

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    1. Stephen Lucas & Romeo Marian & Michael Lucas & Titilayo Ogunwa & Javaan Chahl, 2023. "Employing the Peltier Effect to Control Motor Operating Temperatures," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-15, March.
    2. Felix Leitenberger & Sven Matthiesen, 2024. "Thermal Testing and System Reliability: Transferring Thermal Interactions by Heat Conduction through a Peltier-Based Thermal Coupling System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-15, February.

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