Advanced Manufacturability of Electrical Machine Architecture through 3D Printing Technology
Ahmed Selema, Mohamed N. Ibrahim, Peter Sergeant
Abstract
The rapid evolution of electric machines requires innovative approaches to boost performance, efficiency, and sustainability. Additive Manufacturing (AM) has emerged as a transformative technique, reshaping the landscape of electric machine components, ranging from magnetic materials to windings and extending to thermal management. In the area of magnetic materials, AM’s capacity to fabricate intricate structures optimizes magnetic flux dynamics, yielding advanced shape-profile cores and self-coating laminations for superior performance. In windings, AM’s prowess is evident through innovative concepts, effectively mitigating AC conduction effects while reducing weight. Furthermore, AM revolutionizes thermal management, as exemplified by 3D-printed ceramic heat exchangers, intricate cooling channels, and novel housing designs, all contributing to enhanced thermal efficiency and power density. The integration of AM not only transcends conventional manufacturing constraints but also promises to usher in an era of unprecedented electric machine innovation, addressing the intricate interplay of magnetic, winding, and thermal dynamics.