Heat transfer - generator losses and dissipation

In summary, the person is working on a small personal project involving an underwater generator/motor. The setup includes mounting the generator and gearbox on steel struts within an air-tight cylindrical nacelle made of steel, which is submerged in cold water. The goal is to calculate the heat within the nacelle and determine natural cooling using material properties, dimensions, and generator and gearbox losses. They are struggling with figuring out the temperatures over time and are seeking help. Suggestions are made to calculate heat loss and temperature on the surface of the nacelle using a natural circulation correlation for a vertical cylinder. The person is advised to use the Churchhill and Chu, LeFevre and Ede, or Yovanovish correlation to figure
  • #1
Turbo14
1
0
I am currently working on a small personal project.

It is a small under-water generator/ motor so the setup is as follows. The generator and gearbox are mounted on steel struts within an air-tight nacelle of sorts which is cylindrical and made of steel. The nacelle is submerged in cold water which will be flowing past. I am trying to calculate the heat within the nacelle and what natural cooling will occur knowing only material properties, dimensions and generator and gearbox losses. I am struggling to generally work out how to go forward and work out the temperatures over time. Any help would be great.
 
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  • #2
Your heat loss from the surface of the nacelle is:

q loss = h A (Ts - Twater)

q loss = heat loss
h = convenctive heat transfer coefficient (more on this below)
A = surface area of nacelle
Ts = temperature on surface of nacelle
Twater = average water temperature

Try figuring h from a natural circulation correlation for a vertical cylinder. You can attack this with the Chruchhill and Chu, LeFevre and Ede, or Yovanovish correlation.

If you figure your q-loss from gearbox data, you find find out how hot your nacell will get by figuring Ts.
 

1. What is heat transfer?

Heat transfer is the process of transferring thermal energy from one object or system to another. It can occur through three methods: conduction, convection, and radiation.

2. How do generator losses and dissipation affect heat transfer?

Generator losses and dissipation refer to the amount of heat energy that is lost during the conversion of mechanical energy to electrical energy in a generator. These losses can impact the overall heat transfer process by increasing the temperature of the generator and surrounding components, resulting in reduced efficiency and potential damage to the system.

3. What are the main factors that contribute to generator losses and dissipation?

There are several factors that can contribute to generator losses and dissipation, including the resistance of the generator's windings, friction between moving parts, and the electrical resistance of the conductors. Other factors such as environmental conditions and design of the generator can also play a role.

4. How can generator losses and dissipation be minimized?

To minimize generator losses and dissipation, it is important to regularly maintain and service the generator to ensure that all components are functioning properly. Choosing high-quality materials and designing the generator for efficient heat dissipation can also help reduce losses. Additionally, using cooling methods such as liquid or air cooling can help dissipate excess heat from the generator.

5. Why is it important to minimize generator losses and dissipation?

Minimizing generator losses and dissipation is important for several reasons. Firstly, excessive heat can damage the generator and decrease its lifespan. Secondly, it can lead to reduced efficiency and increased energy costs. Lastly, excessive heat can also pose a safety hazard. Therefore, minimizing losses and dissipation is crucial for ensuring the longevity, efficiency, and safety of the generator and its surrounding components.

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