Thermal Modeling of a High-Speed Solid Rotor Induction Machine with Forced Air-Cooling System

Abstract

This study investigates the thermal performance of a high-speed Solid Rotor Induction Machine (SRIM) equipped with a forced air-cooling system. Electromagnetic losses are first computed using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in ANSYS Maxwell, with particular focus on rotor losses in the Fe52 solid rotor material. These losses serve as inputs to a thermal network model in MotorCAD, enabling a detailed temperature distribution assessment. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations further evaluate how rotor temperature impacts overall cooling performance. Results from the combined electromagnetic–thermal approach highlight the highest temperature concentrations in the rotor region, emphasizing the importance of effective cooling design. By demonstrating how forced air-cooling manages heat dissipation—particularly through radial ducts—the study shows how proper thermal management can significantly enhance both the operational efficiency and longevity of high-speed SRIMs. Future work will explore advanced cooling materials and optimize cooling geometry to further improve machine reliability and performance.