Evaporative cooling systems for electrified powertrain components

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Evaporative cooling systems for electrified powertrain components: This project will address the need for a lightweight/low-cost thermal management system that can be used alongside air-cooled components including drive/traction motors to replace the requirement for bulky liquid cooling systems in mass-sensitive applications including electric aircraft.High power density electric motors now are widespread in use and the demand for electrified powertrains is set to increase as society shifts towards low carbon transport, high volumetric power densities have made using passive air cooling systems more challenging. Typically, powertrain installations either impose a short duration limit where high power settings can be utilised or use a liquid-cooling architecture to manage the machine's temperature. Neither of these solutions is desirable in mass-sensitive applications where prolonged periods of high power are required, but the majority of the time is spent at more moderate power levels typical of many powertrains.In this project, the use of an evaporative cooling system will be investigated and developed, focusing on the motor in a light aircraft's electric powertrain; the system will act as an additional form of cooling in high-demand periods of motor operation when the airflow alone is insufficient. Using an evaporative cooling system with directed spray onto known motor hotspots will provide a targeted heat rejection method that provides a lighter and more compact alternative to a conventional closed-loop coolant system.In summary, the project aims to develop an approach to address the cooling needs of electrical machines that provide the high heat rejection of liquid-based cooling with the simplicity and weight advantages of an air-based system.