Title: Fan-shape optimisation using CFD and genetic algorithms for increasing the efficiency of electric motors

Authors: Noel Leon-Rovira, Eduardo Uresti, Waldo Arcos

Addresses: Center for Innovation in Design and Technology, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey. Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada # 2501, Colonia Tecnologico, CP 64841 Monterrey, Mexico. ' Center for Artifitial Intelligence, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey. Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada #2501, Sucursal de Correos 'J', Colonia Tecnologico, CP 64841 Monterrey, Mexico. ' Center for Innovation in Design and Technology, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey. Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada # 2501, Colonia Tecnologico, CP 64841 Monterrey, Mexico

Abstract: The electric motor efficiency represents the effectiveness with which the motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. As the energy losses are converted into heat, which is dissipated by the motor frame aided by internal and external fans, a better cooling system adds up to better efficiency. In recent years, improvements in motor efficiency have been achieved but at higher costs. By using Genetic Algorithms (GAs), changes are introduced to the fan shape looking for a better aerodynamic performance. The evaluation of the achieved fan efficiency with the modified shapes is performed with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation software.

Keywords: shape optimisation; genetic algorithms; shape parameterisation; CFD; computational fluid dynamics; efficiency; electric motors; cooling systems; fans; fan shape; aerodynamics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCAT.2007.015696

International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology, 2007 Vol.30 No.1/2, pp.47 - 58

Published online: 09 Nov 2007 *

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