BACKGROUND

NAMES OF PARTIES TO JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

The subject matter disclosed in this application was developed and the claimed invention was made by, or on behalf of, ITT Inc. or its affiliates and/or the University of Nottingham, which are parties to a joint research agreement that was in effect on or before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. The claimed invention was made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of the joint research agreement.

Field

This disclosure relates broadly to an electric motor assembly configured to drive a pump or other rotary device, and more particularly to an electric motor assembly having a cooling duct that provides improved thermal operation.

Description of the Related Art

Industrial pumps are used to pump fluids, such as chemicals, in an industrial setting (e.g., a chemical manufacturing plant). Such pumps include an electric motor to drive the pump (e.g., drive the rotation of the pump impeller). Electronics that power and/or control the operation of the electric motor are traditionally mounted to a wall. Operation of the electric motor generates heat.

SUMMARY

According to some aspects of this disclosure, an electric motor assembly (e.g., for use with industrial pumps, conveyors, fans, extruders, mills, etc.) has improved heat dissipation to reduce the exposure of the electronics of the assembly to heat generated by the electric motor.

In accordance of with one aspect of the disclosure, a plate assembly for use with an electric motor assembly has a cooling duct through which air flows to dissipate heat generated by the electric motor and reduce the exposure of the electronics in the plate assembly to heat from the electric motor (e.g., the cooling duct provides a thermal barrier). In one example, such a cooling duct can aid to reduce a temperature the electronics are exposed to as compared to a similar electric motor assembly with typical insulation material between the electronics and the electric motor.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an electric motor assembly is provided. The assembly comprises an electric motor having an output shaft that extends along a central axis of the electric motor, the electric motor operable to rotate the output shaft. A motor frame houses the electric motor so that the output shaft protrudes from an end of the motor frame. A plate assembly having a central opening is configured to receive the output shaft therethrough. The plate assembly is coupleable about the output shaft proximate to the end of the motor frame. The plate assembly defines a chamber configured to house motor drive electronics. The plate assembly further defines a duct that extends between the central opening and one or more openings on an outer radial wall of the plate assembly, so that the duct is at least partially disposed between the electric motor and the motor drive electronics. A fan is configured to direct air flow over one or more surfaces of the plate assembly. Operation of the fan causes air to flow through the duct and to exit out of said one or more openings. Air flow through the duct inhibits heat transfer between the electric motor and the motor drive electronics (e.g., air flow through the duct at least partially thermally isolates the motor drive electronics from heat generated by the electric motor).

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a plate assembly is provided configured for use with an electric motor assembly. The electric motor assembly can have an electric motor with an output shaft, and a motor frame that houses the electric motor. The plate assembly comprises a central opening configured to receive the output shaft therethrough, the plate assembly coupleable about the output shaft proximate to an end of the motor frame and defines a chamber that houses motor drive electronics. The plate assembly also comprises a duct that extends between the central opening and one or more openings on an outer radial wall of the plate assembly, the duct configured to be at least partially disposed between the electric motor and the motor drive electronics. Operation of a fan causes air to flow through the duct and to exit out of said one or more openings. Air flow through the duct inhibits heat transfer between the electric motor and the motor drive electronics (e.g., air flow through the duct at least partially thermally isolates the motor drive electronics from heat generated by the electric motor).

