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 know the locations and magnitudes of hot spot temperatures for optimum design of electrical machines. A methodology based on axi‐symmetric finite element formulation has been developed to solve the conduction‐convection problem in radial cooled machines using a new eight noded solid‐fluid coupled element. The axi‐symmetric model adopted is formulated purely from dimensional data, property data and published convective correlations. Steady state temperatures have been determined for 102 kW radial cooled motor at 100 percent and 75 percent loads and are validated with experimental results obtained from heat run tests. Parametric studies have been carried out to study the effect of critical parameters on temperature distribution and for optimising the design.