Course detail

Tepelný management pohonných systémů

FEKT-BPC-TMSAcad. year: 2025/2026

The course provides basic theoretical knowledge in the field of cooling and analysis of thermal processes in electric vehicle propulsion systems. In the introductory part of the course the necessary theoretical basis of thermal and hydraulic calculations is explained. Subsequently, students are introduced to the development of thermal models of electric motors using the lumped-parameter thermal network. Modern numerical methods of thermal analysis such as the finite element method and the finite volume method (CFD) are also introduced. The course discusses classical and modern methods of cooling electric motors and power electronics of electric vehicles. Students are also introduced to methods of measuring thermal and hydraulic quantities. These measurements are tested by the students themselves in laboratory measurements on real motors.

 

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

5

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

Ing. Marek Toman, Ph.D.

Department

Department of Power Electrical and Electronic Engineering (UVEE)

Entry knowledge

The student must have knowledge of mathematics, physics and electrical engineering at the level of 1st year of Bachelor's studies. Basic knowledge of programming in Matlab or Python is also required. Work in the laboratory is subject to a valid 'instructed person' qualification, which students must obtain prior to attending the classes. Information on this qualification is provided in the Dean's Guideline Familiarizing Students with Safety Regulations. 

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Not applicable.

Aims

The subject graduate should be able to:
  • list the mechanisms of heat transfer and write the basic equations involved in their calculation. Evaluate in which cases any of the heat transfer mechanisms can be neglected in real applications.
  • explain the principle of thermo-electric analogies and be able to apply them.
  • solve the heat conduction equation for basic 1D cases. Derive relations for calculating thermal resistances for basic geometric solids for 1D heat conduction.
  • explain methods of multidimensional heat conduction calculations. Evaluate in which cases multidimensional heat conduction can be neglected.
  • calculate the heat capacities required to solve transient analyses. 
  • explain the difference between forced and natural convection. Calculate heat transfer coefficients for basic cases of convection. 
  • describe the basic equations associated with hydraulic calculations. Explain hydraulic-electric analogies. 
  • explain the principle of heat pipe function. Describe their advantages and characteristics. State and apply the basic equations associated with their calculations. 
  • analyse heat exchangers.
  • list and describe the numerical methods used in heat transfer analysis.
  • describe basic and modern methods of cooling electric motors.
  • construct a lumep-parameter thermal network of an electric motor. Calculate the thermal resistances of the various parts of an electric motor. Derive the equations for calculating the nodal temperatures of the lumped-parameter thermal network.
  • list the cooling methods used for power electronics. Design the cooling of power electronics.
  • describe the basic context associated with thermal management of an electric vehicle.
  • describe the basics of measuring thermal and hydraulic quantities.
 

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

CENGEL Yunus, Afshin J. GHAJAR: Heat and mass transfer: Fundamentals and Applications, 6th edition. McGraw Hill, 2020. (EN)
CENGEL Yunus, John. M. CIMBALA: Fluid Mechanics: Fundamentals and Applications, 4th edition. McGraw Hill, 2028. (EN)
Patočka M.: Vybrané stati z výkonové elektroniky: Svazek I, Tepelné jevy a činný výkon. Brno, 2005. (CS)
PYRHONEN, Juha, Tapani JOKINEN, Valéria, HRABOVCOVÁ: Design of rotating electrical machines, 2nd edition. Wiley, 2013. (EN)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme BPC-EMU Bachelor's 3 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Marek Toman, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Introduction and motivation – importance of cooling and analysis of thermal processes in electric vehicle propulsion systems. Sources of heat loss. Heat transfer mechanisms, thermal quantities, thermo-electric analogies. Lumped-parameter thermal modeling.
2. Heat transfer by conduction – heat conduction equation and its solution for basic 1D cases: plane wall, cylindrical body, etc. Stationary heat conduction.  Boundary conditions. Heat conduction through a fin.
3. Heat transfer by conduction – consideration of internal heat sources (generation of losses). Non-stationary heat conduction. Multidimensional heat conduction.
4. Heat transfer by convection. Natural convection, forced convection, calculation of heat transfer coefficient. Forced convection in internal and external flow. Heat transfer by radiation.
5. Basics of hydraulic calculations, hydraulic quantities, hydraulic-electric analogies.
6. Forced air and liquid cooling. Calculations of hydraulic circuits. Fans and pumps.
7. Heat sinks, heat pipes and heat exchangers.
8. Numerical methods – finite element method, finite volume method (CFD).
9. Basic cooling methods for electrical machines. Thermal analysis of electrical machines using lumped-parameter thermal network. Calculation of thermal resistances of selected parts of electrical machines. Lumped-parameter thermal networks of selected types of electrical machines - mainly asynchronous motor and permanent magnet synchronous motor.
10. Modern methods of cooling of electrical machines. Machines with high power density.
11. Cooling of power electronics.
12. Thermal management of electric vehicles.
13. Measurement of thermal and hydraulic quantities. 

Computer-assisted exercise

12 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Marek Toman, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Application of basic heat transfer equations.
2. Calculation of thermal resistances of basic geometric bodies. Heat conduction through fins.
3. Calculation of thermal resistances by conduction with consideration of loss generation. Stationary and non-stationary condition. Lumped-parameter thermal network approach.
4. Calculation of heat transfer coefficients. Free convection. Forced convection in internal and external flow.
5. Application of basic hydromechanics equations. Calculation of hydraulic resistances.
6. Analysis of forced air and water cooling hydraulic circuit. Calculation of required fan and pump size.
7. Heat exchanger analysis.
8. Computing examples using a simulation tool based on the finite element method.
9. Calculation of selected thermal resistances of electrical machines. Formation of the lumped-parameter thermal network of an electrical machine.
10. Lumped-parameter thermal network with the inclusion of forced air or liquid cooling. 

Laboratory exercise

14 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Marek Toman, Ph.D.

Syllabus

L1 - Measurement of thermal and hydraulic quantities of propulsion systems.
L2 - Identification of parameters of the thermal model of an electrical machine.
L3 - Measurement on an electric machine with liquid cooling.