This paper investigates the effect of the inlet configuration on cooling for an air-cooled axial-flux permanent-magnet (AFPM) machine. Temperature rises in the stator were measured and compared with results predicted using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) methods linked to a detailed machine loss characterization. It is found that an improved inlet design can significantly reduce the stator temperature rises. Comparison between the validated CFD model results and the values obtained from heat transfer correlations addresses the suitability of those correlations proposed specifically for AFPM machines.
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