Sensitivity analysis of traction drive motor cooling

Electric motor cooling affects the power capability of electric motors, which has direct impacts on power density and cost. In this paper we present a sensitivity study of factors associated with electric motor thermal management specific to electrified vehicle propulsion applications. Thermal models of two electric motor configurations were developed and validated against available test data. Once confidence was established in the thermal models, a sensitivity analysis was performed over a range of thermal management control factors. These factors included heat transfer coefficients, cooling locations, material orthotropic thermal conductivity properties, heat distributions, and interface contact resistances. The work helps prioritize future research efforts to improve motor thermal management.