The invention relates generally to electrical propulsion of aircraft, and in particular, to electric motors that rotate propellers to produce thrust. A major challenge in electric propulsion is the thermal management of the electric motor, motor controller and battery. Conventional examples of electric aircraft place the electric motor within a cowling and connect a heat transfer system to said motor in order to move waste heat into the airstream outside of the aircraft. A streamlined electric aircraft motor and motor controller unit is disclosed, which places the waste heat generating components directly in convective thermal contact with the airstream outside of the aircraft. In order to facilitate the rapid transfer of waste heat from the motor/controller to the external airstream, the motor's electromagnets are located in a motor stator, which is external to the rotor, and thermally connected to the aerodynamically streamlined housing. The controller's power switches are similarly in contact with the housing. Said motor/controller housing, being streamlined, will transfer the waste heat to the airstream with the least amount of aerodynamic drag compared to other waste heat transfer means. Said streamlined electric aircraft motor unit will be safer and more reliable as there will be no critical secondary systems required to remove waste heat from the motor and controller.
Electric Aircraft Propulsion System
2019-10-17
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch