Basics of Thermal Equivalent Circuits — Lesson 6

This lesson covers the fundamental equations and concepts needed to calculate temperatures at various parts of an electrical machine. The lesson further explains the concept of thermal nodes and how to identify them in a machine. It introduces the basic elements needed to develop a thermal equivalent circuit, including thermal resistance, thermal capacitance, and power loss. The lesson also discusses the flow of heat, the concept of thermal resistance and capacitance, and how to calculate them. It concludes by explaining how to create a thermal network for an electrical machine, considering one-dimensional and three-dimensional heat flow.

Video Highlights

00:00 - Introduction
00:21 - Discussion on efficiency, losses and thermal nodes
03:19 - Discussion on how to calculate thermal resistance and thermal capacitance
05:46 - Introduction to the concept of thermal network for an electrical machine
06:25 - Explanation of one-dimensional and three-dimensional heat flow and network

Key Takeaways

- Understanding the types of losses in an electrical machine is crucial as they are the primary sources of heat generation.
- Thermal nodes are essential in calculating the temperature at various parts of a machine.
- The basic elements needed to develop a thermal equivalent circuit are thermal resistance, thermal capacitance, and power loss.
- Heat always flows from a higher temperature to a lower temperature.
- Creating a thermal network for an electrical machine involves considering one-dimensional and three-dimensional heat flow.