Transient thermal field modelling

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a thermal model for apparatus and assemblies, especially electrical drives, capable of predicting the temperature distribution under steady state or transient operational conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Starting from Fourier's partical differential equation, the regions of interest are represented by lumped parameters, i.e. by R, C‐networks, and the heat flow is modelled by a system of non‐linear ordinary differential equations. Thus, the thermal equivalent circuit model is established. Next step is an analytical approach to predict the temperature functions in the considered sub‐regions. The presented analysis is validated by a benchmark example and by measurements.

Findings

The usefulness of the model is demonstrated by means of benchmark calculations and comparisons with measurements. It is relevant to the design stage as well as to the performance prediction, particularly with respect to on‐line control techniques.

Research limitations/implications

The accuracy of the model would benefit from further research into the mathematical representation of the heat flow by thermal resistances and capacitances, particularly taking into account the temperature dependency.

Practical implications

The paper presents a valuable tool for engineers involved in temperature problems.

Originality/value

Efficient analytical thermal analysis is presented in this paper, taking into account a large number of potentially non‐linear elements (sub‐regions).

Citation

Bolte, E. and Kipp, B. (2010), "Transient thermal field modelling", COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, Vol. 29 No. 5, pp. 1232-1244. https://doi.org/10.1108/03321641011061443