Thermal Analysis of the Pulse Inductor for Electromagnetic Launch Under Continuous Discharge Condition

The solenoid pulse inductor is a key component of the electromagnetic launch (EML) system, and effective thermal management is a necessary condition for reliable and stable operation under continuous discharge condition. A 3D transient coupling heat transfer model for the solenoid pulse inductor with liquid cooling mode was established, and the temperature distribution and the characteristics of heat dissipation of the inductor under continuous discharge condition has been analyzed. A temperature measurement system was designed, and the accuracy of the 3D coupling model has been verified. In addition, effects of the flow rate, the inlet temperature and the coolant on the efficiency of liquid cooling were analyzed by using this model. The results show that during continuous discharge, the maximum temperature and maximum temperature difference of the inductor continue to increase, but the rising speed rapidly slows down. Raising the flow rate can effectively improve the efficiency of the liquid cooling and decrease the temperature difference in the inductor during continuous discharge, but the marginal benefit of raising the flow rate is gradually reduced. Dropping the inlet temperature has little effect on the efficiency of the liquid cooling, and ethylene glycol solution can replace deionized water as the liquid cooling coolant for the pulse inductor under low temperature condition. This paper is expected to help to improve the thermal management and optimize the performance of the solenoid pulse inductor.