Characteristics of motor temperature distribution in plateau

Abstract

The motor temperature distribution characteristics help to understand the working condition of the unit, thus improving efficiency. Currently, the motors are gradually being used at high altitudes. However, the plateau region has low air pressure, thin air and large differences in humidity. There is a lack of research on the effect of its complex and special working environment on motor temperature. Therefore, in this study, the numerical analysis of the motor temperature field is carried out from the novel perspective of plateau characteristics. In this paper, the finite volume method is used to analyse the flow-heat-solid coupling of a 20 MW motor. By comparing and verifying the experimental data with the simulation data, it is found that the error between the two is within 5 %. In order to have a more comprehensive picture of the motor's operation in the plateau environment, the temperature effects of different air pressure, air intake and relative humidity on the motor were investigated. The results of the study show that air pressure changes have a large effect on the temperature of the stator structure. The temperature decreases when the air pressure increases and the temperature difference decreases gradually with the increase of air pressure. The largest temperature difference in the stator structure occurs when the air pressure increases from 10 kPa to 40 kPa. The change in air intake has a positive effect on the stator structure temperature, which decreases when the air intake increases. After simulation calculations, it was found that the best heat dissipation effect was achieved in the range of air intake between 3.5 m/s and 4.5 m/s. Relative humidity has a minimal effect on the stator structure temperature. The conclusions of this paper can provide certain theoretical reference for the temperature change law of the motor under plateau operation, which is of great significance to improve the comprehensive hydraulic performance.