TCS - Thermal Cooling System for brushed motors in RC (...)
TCS - Thermal Cooling System for brushed motors in RC 1-10th scale electric cars
4. Trying out the TCS - "Thermal Cooling System" brushed
Our tests took place at the new indoor carpet track of the MRCI (French RC club near Paris) which was finished in february 2007 which is ideal for touring car testing because it is a relatively quick and technical track on a very tough carpet, in short it makes motors very hot.a. Configuration
For testing the capacity of our TCS we have chosen two configurations :Configuration 1
Chassis : Team Losi Street Weapon IWC
Motor : Peak Thunderbolt 17x2 on bushings
ESC : LRP V6
Batteries : 4200 East Power
Servo : KO Propo FET 1002
Radio/Receiver : Sanwa M8
Tyres front and rear : Take Off with treatment
Configuration 2
Chassis : Team Losi Street Weapon IWC
Motor : Peak 12x3 on ball bearings
ESC : LRP V6
Batteries : 4200 East Power
Servo : KO Propo FET 1002
Radio/Receiver : Sanwa M8
Tyres front and rear : Take Off with treatment
In short the same configuration for each test except the motor, the goal being to determine the effect of the TCS on the categories "Open" and "Promo".
b. Test protocol
To measure the motor temperature, we have acquired an infrared temperature gun of the type RAYTEM PM 20 whith industrial degree precision.
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The temperatures were measured on 3 points :
the two extremities, the motor mount and head
the motor case
after five minutes of driving, the duration of an official race.
c. Tests and results
To make it easier for you to understand and interpret the results, we have realised some diagrams and graphics.a. The temperatures in °C measured on the 3 points of the motor
table of values
graphic
Analysis
The graphics and diagrams above show the same thing, the TCS is efficient in cooling all three parts of our motors which we have measured, but let’s analise the situation further : the TCS does not cool the motor parts equally, this effect is the result of the limited temperature exchange of the contact area of the TCS motor plate.
It is the coldest part of the motor, the motor mount, that benefits the most of the cooling and the hottest part, the motor head, is situated on the other side and so is not cooled as efficiently.
a clamp- or ring-like solution, as with the ventirads, which is placed on the motor case would have certainly been more effective because of a bigger exchange surface and better positioning.
on another note, the different temperature gains between our two motors have shown that the TCS is particularly effective on our 12x3 motor and less so on the standard 17x2 motor which does not get nearly as hot. Could this be due to warmer liquid being easier and less warm liquid harder to cool ?
the efficiency of the "Thermal Cooling System" as determined by this test was to give a temperature gain of 36% or 36°C on the motor mount and 26% or 29° on the case.
b. middle value/average of the temperatures in °C measured on the three motor points
table of values
graphic
Analysis
These new values confirm our initial findings, to know an overall efficiency of the TCS, particularly on our 12x3 motor with 25.38% of average temperature gain, and a reduced efficiency on our 17x2 standard motor with an efficiency of just 13.78% of temperature gain.b. Temperatures in °C measured on the TCS radiator
table of values
graphic
Analysis
These last values allow us to judge the efficiency of the radiator with our installation and evaluate the difference of temperatures asserted at entry and exit of the circuit.To remember, the capacity of the TCS to cool the motor hinges on the ventilation of the radiator. These values allow us to judge the efficiency of our installation and positioning of the radiator.
In our case, we have determined with our two motors that the hydraulic circuit of the TCS has cooled as high as 15%. This performance is adequate but not exceptional. An experienced modelist with enough time on his hands could surely improve this performance.
However, this effectiveness of the radiator as determined by our two different motors does not explain the different performence of the TCS measured inbetween the two...
Contribution to performance
And of course, does this decrease of temperature bring a gain in terms of performance ?Well, with the standard motor, it starts badly, because I did not notice any change in the motors power or performance.
With the modified motor, the TCS brings a small improvement but still not exceptional.
Then, what’s the deal you will ask me ?
Well, there are still drivers whose motors get a lot warmer due to bad ventilation of the chassis and who search desperately for a solution that is more effective than the classic ventirads ; for those, the TCS offers itself as THE solution.
And there are also those drivers that like to push their motors a little bit more but see themselves confronted with the thermic limits of their motors resulting in unsoldering of the wires or literally smoking the engine.
For those, the TCS also brings a certain advantage. Because of the TCS’ cooling capacities the motor runs much cooler in "normal" mode than it used to. This allows you to use this advantage to gear your car longer, if the track permits it. The motor will then certainly get hotter again but it will keep working thanks to the TCS.
Remember the the overclockers and their faster PCs.
Finally, the last advantage of the TCS is good cooling of the motor case which reduces the loss of magnetism of the magnets and allows for a longer case life.
