2-D lumped-parameter thermal modelling of axial flux permanent magnet generators

Results from lumped parameter thermal modeling of an axial flux permanent magnet generator based on the application of the 2-D equivalent thermal circuit are presented. The components of the generator and the internal air-flow domain are split into a system of connected and interacting control volumes. Energy and mass conservation equations are then solved for each of volume to determine its thermal state. This method takes into account heat transfer due to both conduction and convection. Two case studies have been performed to validate the accuracy of the 2-D equivalent thermal circuit model by comparison with CFD results.