applied

sciences
Article
Investigation of Heat Loss from the Finned Housing
of the Electric Motor of a Vacuum Pump
Jacek Wernik ID

Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Mechanics and Petrochemistry,

Warsaw University of Technology, Łukasiewicza 17, 09-400 Płock, Poland; jacek.wernik@pw.edu.pl

Received: 30 September 2017; Accepted: 22 November 2017; Published: 24 November 2017

Abstract: Investigation of the heat transfer by conduction and convection through a finned housing
of an electric motor rated 373 W operated in the drive unit of a vacuum pump was carried out.
As the speed is changed, so is the velocity of air flow, and consequently, the coefficient of heat
transfer across the housing surface is changed too. To predict the values of the average heat transfer
coefficient and to determine the heat flow that was dissipated at variable motor speed is a complex
task, for which no reliable tools can be found in the literature. Using finite element approximation,
the heat transfer was numerically simulated and the temperature distribution on the housing surface
was determined. In order to validate the simulation model, an experimental set-up was assembled,
including the vacuum pump complete with its driving unit, that is, electrical motor and frequency
converter, and FLIR SC7600 thermovision camera. Using the validated simulation model, the heat flux
transferred through the housing to the environment and the share of heat dissipation in the power
consumed by the vacuum pump drive was determined. The combination of numerical simulation
and thermographic measurements is an effective tool.

Keywords: numerical simulation; heat conduction; thermography; finned housing

1. Introduction
During the operation of an electric motor, heat is dissipated during start-up, speed control,
and motor running at constant speed. The conversion of electrical and mechanical energy into heat
takes place in both the rotor and stator and in the bearings, resulting in a reduction of the energy
efficiency of the machine [1]. Energy converted into heat leads to an increase of the temperature in
motor components; their temperature sensivity may lead to emergency situations, such as motor
overheating or excessive thermal stresses.
Finned motor housing can be applied in order to prevent emergency situations, such as failure
of the rotor, which can occur while the motor is overloaded. The fins provide an increase of heat
transfer surface, thus improving the cooling efficiency and enhancing heat dissipation. This also
contributes to more uniform temperature distribution in motor parts, and to better working conditions
of the motor. Temperature distribution in the finned housing and the associated heat losses can be
evaluated by using an approximate analytical solution, which in typical engineering applications is
sufficiently accurate under the condition of large temperature differences between the motor housing
and the environment [2]. At smaller temperature differences, the determination of heat losses is a
complex problem that can be solved by using numerical methods [3], among which, the Finite Element
Method (FEM) is widely used. It should be noticed that the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD),
which includes FEM, is used to determine the temperature distribution in machines [4]. FEM is a
method of approximation of partial differential equations, which constitute the mathematical model
of the studied object. It should be noted that the results that were obtained with the FEM have an
error, which can be neglected while research are properly conducted. Examples of application of the

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 1214; doi:10.3390/app7121214 www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 1214 2 of 9

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 1214

the results can be carried out by using experimental data [7]. In general, after validation,2 of 9
the
accuracy of the obtained results can be considered as satisfied when the complexity of the
geometrical
FEM model
in the field is taken
of heat into account
exchange [8]. Unrealistic
can be found assumptions
in [5,6]. Validation areresults
of the applied caninbe
many studies
carried out
where steady-state heat transfer in motor is modelled. These assumptions
by using experimental data [7]. In general, after validation, the accuracy of the obtained results can strongly affect the
accuracy
be of theasmodels
considered [9].when the complexity of the geometrical model is taken into account [8].
satisfied
Unrealistic assumptions are isapplied
The aim of this article to present a method
in many studiesof where
evaluating the heatheat
steady-state loss transfer
by determining
in motorthe
is
coefficient These
modelled. of convective
assumptions heat strongly
transfer affect
from thethe accuracy
housing ofto the
the models
environment,
[9]. and determining the
conduction
The aimheat fluxarticle
of this that isis transferred
to present athroughmethod the motor housing.
of evaluating the heat Empirical
loss by relationships,
determining
thermographical measurements, and numerical simulations were applied.
the coefficient of convective heat transfer from the housing to the environment, and determining Experimental tests were
carried
the out on aheat
conduction single-phase
flux that isinduction
transferredelectric motor,
through thewhich
motorishousing.
a component of a vacuum
Empirical pump
relationships,
unit. The studied phenomena included the conduction of heat through
thermographical measurements, and numerical simulations were applied. Experimental tests were the finned motor housing
and heatout
carried exchange by forced convection
on a single-phase induction between the housing
electric motor, whichandis athe environment.
component of aAn examination
vacuum pump
of the conditions of heat and energy losses is particularly important in
unit. The studied phenomena included the conduction of heat through the finned motor housing the efforts to reduce energy
consumption
and heat exchangeby machines
by forcedand devices [10].
convection Efficient
between use of energy
the housing and the inenvironment.
production isAn keyexamination
to ensuring
thethehealthy
of functioning
conditions of heat and of energy
the world losseseconomies [11]. important
is particularly This studyin presents
the effortsa tomethod
reduce for the
energy
determination of overall heat losses during the functioning of appliance,
consumption by machines and devices [10]. Efficient use of energy in production is key to ensuring thewhich is equipped in
finned housing. Which is why it broadens state-of-the-art and make it possible
healthy functioning of the world economies [11]. This study presents a method for the determination of to quickly estimate
heat transfer
overall conditions.
heat losses during the functioning of appliance, which is equipped in finned housing. Which is
why it broadens state-of-the-art and make it possible to quickly estimate heat transfer conditions.
2. Methodology
2. Methodology
Research methodology of investigation of heat loses covers the following three stages:
thermographical investigation,
Research methodology empiricalof determination
of investigation heat loses coversof
thethe conditions
following of heat
three stages: transfer, and
thermographical
numerical simulation.
investigation, empirical determination of the conditions of heat transfer, and numerical simulation.
Figure 11 shows
Figure showsthethegeneral appearance
general appearanceof aofvacuum pump
a vacuum unit (VALUE,
pump Delhi,Delhi,
unit (VALUE, India), India),
which
included the tested single-phase electric motor whose speed is controlled by a frequency inverter.
which included the tested single-phase electric motor whose speed is controlled by a frequency inverter.

Figure 1.
Figure 1. Vacuum
Vacuum pump
pump unit.
unit.

The motor
The motorhousing
housingisismade madeofofaluminum.
aluminum. The
The nominal
nominal frequency
frequency of the
of the supply
supply current
current is 50isHz,
50
Hz, which corresponds to the rotational speed of 3000 rpm. To the periphery
which corresponds to the rotational speed of 3000 rpm. To the periphery of the motor housing, of the motor housing,
24 straight
24 straight fins
fins are
are attached
attached with
with aa length
length ofof 130
130 mm
mm and
and aa height
height of
of 7.4
7.4 mm.
mm. TheThe tested
tested motor
motor is is
equipped with so-called self-ventilation which involves placing the fan rotor at the
equipped with so-called self-ventilation which involves placing the fan rotor at the end of the motor end of the motor
shaft. The
shaft. Thefan
fanrotating
rotating at aatspeed
a speed
equalequal
to theto the of
speed speed of the
the motor motor aprovides
provides forced airaflow,
forced air flow,
intensifying
intensifying the heat transfer outside the housing. The advantage of this solution
the heat transfer outside the housing. The advantage of this solution is its simplicity, while the is its simplicity,
while the disadvantage
disadvantage is the dependence
is the dependence of the
of the cooling cooling
intensity onintensity
the speed onofthe speed of
rotation. rotation.
It can It can be
be mentioned
mentioned
that in some that
studies in onsome studies onelectric
self-ventilated self-ventilated
motors, inelectric motors,
the absence of airinflow
the measurements,
absence of airit flow was
measurements, it was assumed that the flow velocity of air in the channels
assumed that the flow velocity of air in the channels was equal to 75% of the peripheral was equal to 75% of
speed of the
the
peripheral speed of the fan rotor [12]. The results of the heat exchange on electric
fan rotor [12]. The results of the heat exchange on electric motor confirmed that the heat is mainly motor confirmed
that the heat
transferred byisconduction
mainly transferred by conduction from
from the stator/winding the stator/winding
assembly to the housingassembly
[13]. to the housing
[13]. An experimental setup was built to enable the use of thermography, which is known to be a useful
An experimental
measurement technique setup was built toheat
for determining enable the useconditions
exchange of thermography,
[14]. Figurewhich is known
2 shows to beofa
a scheme
useful measurement technique for determining heat exchange conditions [14]. Figure 2 shows a
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 1214 3 of 9
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 1214 3 of 9

the setup,
scheme of equipped
the setup, with, among
equipped others,
with, amonga thermovision camera (FLIR,
others, a thermovision Wilsonville,
camera OR, USA) and
(FLIR, Wilsonville, OR,
instrumentation, which allows for measuring electric power consumed by the motor.
USA) and instrumentation, which allows for measuring electric power consumed by the motor.

Figure 2. Scheme of the experimental setup. Markings: 1 Vacuum pump unit, 2 AC power, 3 Inverter
Figure 2. Scheme of the experimental setup. Markings: 1 Vacuum pump unit, 2 AC power, 3 Inverter
(Invertek, Welshpool, UK), 4 Ammeter (Protek, Xiamen, China), 5 Voltmeter (Rigol, Beijing, China), 6
(Invertek, Welshpool, UK), 4 Ammeter (Protek, Xiamen, China), 5 Voltmeter (Rigol, Beijing, China),
Thermovision camera, 7 Anemometer (TSI, St. Pauli, Shoreview, MN, USA), 8 Probe (TSI, St. Pauli,
6 Thermovision camera, 7 Anemometer (TSI, St. Pauli, Shoreview, MN, USA), 8 Probe (TSI, St. Pauli,
Shoreview, MN, USA), 9 PC (Lenovo, Beijing, China). The dashed line represents manual transfer of
Shoreview, MN, USA), 9 PC (Lenovo, Beijing, China). The dashed line represents manual transfer
information.
of information.

Since the spaces between the fins should be considered as semi-open channels, air velocity was
Since the spaces
measured along between
the channel the fins
axes, should
at their be considered
beginning and endas semi-open
using channels,
VelociCheck Air air velocity
Velocity was
Meters
measured
8330 (TSI, along the Shoreview,
St. Pauli, channel axes, MN,at their
USA).beginning
Changes inand end
the using VelociCheck
temperature Air Velocity
on the housing Meters
surface were
8330 (TSI, St. Pauli, Shoreview, MN, USA). Changes in the temperature on the housing
observed using FLIR SC7600 thermovision camera for which the parameter NETD (Noise Equivalent surface were
observed using
Temperature FLIR SC7600
Difference) is 20thermovision
mK. The signal camera
fromforthewhich
camera thewas
parameter NETD
transmitted to a(Noise
PC, inEquivalent
which the
Temperature Difference) is 20 mK. The signal from the camera
thermal images were obtained for known conditions of heat exchange. was transmitted to a PC, in which the
thermal images were obtained for known conditions of heat exchange.
3. Results and Discussion
3. Results and Discussion
3.1. Measured
3.1. Measured Operating
Operating Parameters
Parameters
The measured
The measured values
values of
of the
the air
air flow
flow velocity
velocity and
and power
power consumed
consumed by by the
the motor,
motor, at
at different
different
values of the frequency of the supply current are shown in Table 1 and Figure
values of the frequency of the supply current are shown in Table 1 and Figure 3. 3.
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 1214 4 of 9

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 1214 4 of 9

Table 1. Results of measurements. Bold fonts indicate the nominal current frequency.
Table 1. Results of measurements. Bold fonts indicate the nominal current frequency.
Frequency
Frequency of of
thethe Supply
Supply Current
Current (Hz)
(Hz) 40
40 4545 50 50 55 55
AirAir
flow velocity
flow at the
velocity channel
at the channel
2.60/1.62
2.60/1.62 3.80/1.88
3.80/1.88 4.60/2.30 4.65/2.30
4.60/2.30 4.65/2.30
beginning/end
beginning/end (m/s)
(m/s)
Power
Powerconsumed
consumedby by
thethe
motor (W)
motor (W) 212
212 243
243 249249 250 250

The prediction of the actual decrease of air velocity is a complex function in the case of small
The prediction of the actual decrease of air velocity is a complex function in the case of small
power motors. There have to be many factors taken into account including the fan design, shape of
power motors. There have to be many factors taken into account including the fan design, shape of
fins, cowling shape, and rotational speed. There were not noticeable differences between results of
fins, cowling shape, and rotational speed. There were not noticeable differences between results of
measurements, in particular, channels. The reason is small power of investigated motor.
measurements, in particular, channels. The reason is small power of investigated motor.

Figure3.3.Air
Figure Airflow
flowvelocity
velocityat
atthe
thechannel
channelbeginning/end.
beginning/end.

3.2. Thermographical
3.2. Thermographical Investigation
Investigation
The emissivity
The emissivity of of the
the paint-coated
paint-coated outerouter surface
surface ofof the
the motor
motor housing
housing was was determined
determined
experimentally by
experimentally by comparative
comparative measurement
measurement employing
employing aa reference
reference surface
surface with
with aa constant,
constant, known
known
emissivity. As a reference that meets the above conditions the surface of duct
emissivity. As a reference that meets the above conditions the surface of duct tape Scotch Supertape Scotch Super 33+
(3M Electrical Product Division, Tonawanda, NY, USA) was assumed.
33+ (3M Electrical Product Division, Tonawanda, NY, USA) was assumed. In the literature, its In the literature, its
emissivity is
emissivity is reported
reported as
as 0.96
0.96 [15].
[15]. This
This value
value has
has been
been confirmed
confirmed by by the
the author’
author’ ownown measurements.
measurements.
The comparative measurement resulted in estimating the emissivity of
The comparative measurement resulted in estimating the emissivity of the housing surface the housing surface at 0.96.
at 0.96.
Using the
Using thethermovision
thermovisioncamera
cameraatatan anambient
ambienttemperature
temperatureofof 295
295 K,K, thermal
thermal images
images were
were recorded
recorded to
to determine the actual temperature distribution on the surface of the housing.
determine the actual temperature distribution on the surface of the housing. The set of temperature The set of
temperature values that were constituting the thermal image was subsequently
values that were constituting the thermal image was subsequently used to determine the average used to determine
the average temperature
temperature on the housingon the housing
surface. surface.
Averaged Averaged temperature
temperature values for the values for the of
four values four
thevalues
currentof
the current frequency were then used to determine the corresponding values
frequency were then used to determine the corresponding values of the convective heat transfer of the convective heat
transfer coefficient.
coefficient. The values
The average averageofvalues of temperature
temperature are presented
are presented in Table 2.in Table 2.

Table 2.
Table 2. Measured
Measured temperature
temperature values.
values. Bold
Bold fonts
fonts indicate
indicate the
the nominal
nominal current
current frequency.
frequency.

Frequency of the Supply Current (Hz) 40 45 50 55

Frequency of the Supply Current (Hz) 40 45 50 55
Average temperature of the housing (K) 314.05 311.43 306.10 315.42
Average temperature of the housing (K) 314.05 311.43 306.10 315.42

Figure 4 shows the thermogram of housing surface obtained for the nominal current frequency
of 50Figure 4 shows
Hz. Lines fromthe thermogram
1 to of housing
6 indicates the surface
points from obtained
which for the nominal
temperature data were current frequency
collected for the
of 50 Hz. Lines from 1 to 6 indicates the points from which temperature data were
analysis of temperature distribution. Converted to a graph, as shown in Figure 5, these data collected for the
analysis of temperature distribution. Converted to a graph, as shown in Figure 5, these data
illustrate the temperature changes in a direction transverse to the axis of the motor, including the illustrate
the temperature
temperature changesalong
variations in a direction transverse
the height to(lines
of the fins the axis of3).
1, 2, theThe
motor, including
peaks thethe
visible in temperature
graph at a
length of 90 mm correspond to the position of the tension screw that stabilizes the fan cover.
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 1214 5 of 9

variations along the height of the fins (lines 1–3). The peaks visible in the graph at a length of 90 mm
correspond
Appl. Sci. 2017, to the position of the tension screw that stabilizes the fan cover.
7, 1214 5 of 9
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2017, 7,
7, 1214
1214 55 of
of 99

Figure 4.
Figure 4. Thermogram
Thermogram of of the
the housing.
housing. (Lines:
(Lines: 11 to
to 66 shows
shows the
the location
location of
of points
points from
from which
which
measured
measured temperature
temperature values
values were taken
were taken to generate
to generate the diagram of temperature distribution shown
Figure 4. Thermogram
4. Thermogram ofofthe the housing.
housing. (Lines:
(Lines: tothe
1 to 16 shows6 diagram
shows of temperature
the
the location location distribution
of pointsof points
from shown
from
which which
measured
in Figure
in Figure 55 and
and Figure
Figure 6.6.
measured
temperaturetemperature
values were values
taken towere taken
generate thetodiagram
generate
of the diagram distribution
temperature of temperature distribution
shown in Figures 5shown
and 6.
in Figure 5 and Figure 6.

Figure 5. Temperature
Figure
Figure 5. distributions
5. Temperature
Temperature distributionsalong
distributions the
along the
along selectedlines
the selected
selected lines
lines (see
(see
(see Figure
Figure
Figure 4). 4).
4).

There are temperature changes shown in a longitudinal direction to the axis of the motor (lines
ThereThere are temperature
are temperature changes
changes shown
shown in ainlongitudinal
a longitudinal directiontotothe
direction theaxis
axisof
ofthe
the motor
motor (lines
(lines 4–6)
4, 5,
4, 5, 6)
6) in
in Figure
Figure 6.
6.
in Figure 6. Figure 5. Temperature distributions along the selected lines (see Figure 4).

There are temperature changes shown in a longitudinal direction to the axis of the motor (lines
4, 5, 6) in Figure 6.

Figure 6. Temperature distributions along the selected lines (see Figure 4).
Figure 6. Temperature distributions along the selected lines (see Figure 4).
Figure 6. Temperature distributions along the selected lines (see Figure 4).

Figure 6. Temperature distributions along the selected lines (see Figure 4).
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 1214 6 of 9

3.3. Convective Heat Transfer Coefficients

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 1214 6 of 9
The values of convective heat transfer coefficients can be calculated from empirical
relationships. It is commonly assumed that the fan rotor mounted on the motor shaft causes
3.3. Convective
turbulent Heatalong
air flow Transfer
theCoefficients
housing. The location of the fins on the housing implies that semi-open
longitudinal channels are formed for the flow of air blown by the fan. As the experimental setup
The values of convective heat transfer coefficients can be calculated from empirical relationships.
made it possible to measure the flow velocity, the values of convective heat transfer coefficients were
It is commonly assumed that the fan rotor mounted on the motor shaft causes turbulent air flow along
determined using the formula presented in [16]:
the housing. The location of the fins on the housing implies that semi-open longitudinal channels are

( )
formed for the flow of air blown by the fan.ρ AsC pthe
Dvexperimental setup made it possible to measure the
flow velocity, the values of convective h= − e − n were determined using the formula
heat transfer1coefficients (1)
presented in [16]:
4L
ρC p Dv
where parameter n is calculated from the formula:
1 − e− n


h= (1)
4L
where parameter n is calculated from the formula:
. . (2)
= 0.1448L0.946.  k 0.214
a
n = 0.1448 1.16 (2)
D ρC p v
and ρ—material density, Cp—heat capacity at constant pressure, ka—thermal conductivity of air,
v—inlet
and air velocity
ρ—material in theCfin
density, channels,
p —heat L—axial
capacity length ofpressure,
at constant cooling fins, D—hydraulic
ka —thermal diameterof(four
conductivity air,
times the channel area divided by the channel perimeter, including the open side).
v—inlet air velocity in the fin channels, L—axial length of cooling fins, D—hydraulic diameter (four
timesThe
the calculated convection
channel area divided bycoefficient should
the channel be multiplied
perimeter, includingbythethe so-called
open side). turbulence factor
that The
is typically equal
calculated to 1.8. Figure
convection 7 shows
coefficient shouldthe
be values of so
multiplied bydetermined
the so-calledconvective
turbulenceheat transfer
factor that is
coefficients.
typically equal to 1.8. Figure 7 shows the values of so determined convective heat transfer coefficients.

Figure 7. Values of the convective heat transfer coefficients.

Figure 7. Values of the convective heat transfer coefficients.

3.4. Numerical Simulations

3.4. Numerical Simulations
In order to determine the heat flux that was dissipated from the motor housing, an approach
In order to determine the heat flux that was dissipated from the motor housing, an approach
was developed employing the comparison of the results of measurements that were performed in
was developed employing the comparison of the results of measurements that were performed
the experimental setup with these of FEM-based computer simulations. As a simulation tool,
in the experimental setup with these of FEM-based computer simulations. As a simulation tool,
COMSOL Multiphysics (3.5, COMSOL AB., Burlington, MA, USA) package was applied. This
COMSOL Multiphysics (3.5, COMSOL AB., Burlington, MA, USA) package was applied. This package
package was validated in the field of heat transfer by Pryor [17]. The following mathematical model
was validated in the field of heat transfer by Pryor [17]. The following mathematical model of the
of the steady-state heat transfer with convection and conduction is used in COMSOL:
steady-state heat transfer with convection and conduction is used in COMSOL:
∇(-k∇T) = Q - ρC p v∇T (3)
5(−k 5 T) = Q − ρC p v 5 T (3)
where T—temperature, k—thermal conductivity, Q—heat generation per unit volume.
whereThe T—temperature,
geometrical k—thermal
form of the conductivity, Q—heathousing
finned motor generation per unit
was volume. modelled in
numerically
The geometrical form of the finned motor housing was numerically
two-dimensional (2-D) using CAD tools of COMSOL Multiphysics package. modelled in two-dimensional
Regarding the
(2-D) using CAD tools of COMSOL Multiphysics package.
boundary conditions, the following assumptions were adopted: Regarding the boundary conditions,
the following assumptions were adopted:
- thermal conductivity for aluminum: 180 W/(mK),
-- thermal
ambientconductivity
temperature:for295aluminum:
K, 180 W/(mK),
- ambient temperature: 295 K,
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 1214 7 of 9
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 1214 7 of 9

- external housing surface exposed to the ambient air is cooled by forced convection described by
- the expression:
external housing surface exposed to the ambient air is cooled by forced convection described by
the expression: ∂T ∂T
-k − k= h=
(T - Tf ) (4)
∂n ∂n h(T −Tf ) (4)

where,
where, n—unit
n—unit vector
vector normal
normal to studied
to the the studied surface,
surface, Tf —ambient
Tf—ambient temperature.
temperature.
The interaction
The interactionbetween
betweenairair
andand external
external surface
surface housing
housing was modeled
was modeled by convective
by convective heat
heat transfer
transfer taken into account. The value of coefficient was calculates by using equation (1). The values
taken into account. The value of coefficient was calculates by using Equation (1). The values for the
for the coefficient for each considered case are shown in Figure 7.
coefficient for each considered case are shown in Figure 7.
Heat losses are function of heat flux transferred onto the inner surface of motor housing. The
Heat losses are function of heat flux transferred onto the inner surface of motor housing. The flux
flux was one of the boundary conditions in numerical model. The value of heat flux was being
was one of the boundary conditions in numerical model. The value of heat flux was being changed
changed so that the results of average outside temperature of housing were as close as possible to
so that the results of average outside temperature of housing were as close as possible to the results
the results of thermographical measurement. A series of simulations were performed for the various
of thermographical measurement. A series of simulations were performed for the various current
current frequencies. The distribution of housing temperature in cross-section for the heat value of
frequencies. The distribution of housing temperature in cross-section for the heat value of 26.95 W
26.95 W is shown in Figure 8. It is the case of current frequency of 50 Hz and mean value of housing
is shown in Figure 8. It is the case of current frequency of 50 Hz and mean value of housing surface
surface temperature of 306.10 K (equal to the mean value obtained from the thermographic studies).
temperature of 306.10 K (equal to the mean value obtained from the thermographic studies).

Figure 8. Temperature
Figure 8. Temperature distribution
distribution in
in cross-section
cross-section of
ofthe
thehousing.
housing.

The validation
The validation of
of the
thenumerical
numericalresults
resultswas wascarried
carriedout
outby
bycomparing
comparingthe
theobtained
obtainedvalues
valuesTT simul
simul
with temperature measurements T
with temperature measurements Tmeasured inmeasured in the corresponding conditions. A numerical model is
is
considered,asaswell-validated
considered, well-validatedif aif relative
a relative difference
difference of aforementioned
of aforementioned resultsresults
is less is less10%
than than 10%
[18,19].
[18,19].
The The difference
relative relative difference is calculated
is calculated as: as:
_
Δ |T∆T
ε| = measured −Δ∆TTsimul | |
ε = measured
∆Tmeasured × 100
simul × 100%
% (5)
(5)
Δ T measured
Average temperature values simulated/measured at fin base and fin head are given in Table 3,
Average temperature values simulated/measured at fin base and fin head are given in Table 3,
where the value of relative difference ε% is also shown.
where the value of relative difference ε% is also shown.
Table 3. Numerical results and their comparisons with experimental results.
Table 3. Numerical results and their comparisons with experimental results.
Frequency of the Supply Current (Hz) 40 45 50 55
Frequency of the Supply Current (Hz) 40 45 50 55
base/head
base/headofof
fin, Tmeasured
fin, Tmeasured (K)
(K) 314.60/313.20
314.60/313.20 311.80/310.82 306.67/305.90 315.04/313.99
311.80/310.82 306.67/305.90 315.04/313.99
base/head fin,Tsimul
base/headofoffin, Tsimul(K)
(K) 314.57/313.28
314.57/313.28 311.81/310.91 306.64/305.92 315.06/313.91
311.81/310.91 306.64/305.92 315.06/313.91
ε%ε% 9.28
9.28 8.16
8.16 6.49
6.49 9.52
9.52

The results
The results clearly
clearly demonstrate
demonstrate that
that the
therelative
relativedifference
differenceisiswithin
withinaa10%
10%margin.
margin.
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 1214 8 of 9

4. Conclusions
Heat dissipation from the electric motor used as component of a vacuum-pump unit was studied.
Concomitant use of experimental tests, including thermal imaging and numerical simulations enabled
the precise determination of the resulting power loss.
The study was conducted in three stages. An experimental set-up was built to measure the power
that was consumed by the motor and the speed of cooling air flowing along the channels between the
fins. Thermal measurements were performed on the actual motor housing for a variety of working
conditions, and thermographic images were recorded to determine the temperature distribution on
the housing surface. Then, numerical simulations were carried out using COMSOL Multiphysics
software package.
The determination of convective heat transfer coefficients was of particular importance in defining
the appropriate boundary conditions needed for the simulations. By combining numerical simulation
with the experimental verification of calculation results, for nominal operating conditions, it was found
out that 10.82% of the power supplied to the motor is lost by heat dissipation.
The combination of thermographic imaging and numerical simulation proved to be an effective
tool that can be applied to rationalizing design of electrical equipment, in which finned housing is
used. In the studied case, the obtained results allow for further research on the selection of types and
dimensions of fins attached to the motor housing.
The proposed investigation of steady-state heat transfer by using numerical and thermographical
methods from the housing of the motor provides accurate results in comparison with ones that are
based on analytical modelling only.

Conflicts of Interest: The author declare no conflict of interest.

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