Importance

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Abstract

The invention provides systems and methods for cooling and lubrication of high power density electric machines with an enhanced fluid injection system. Multiple fluid flow passages may be provided within the electric machine, which may include one or more bearing fluid flow pathways and one or more rotor fluid flow pathways. The bearing fluid flow pathway may comprise one or more passages which may direct a fluid to contact one or more bearings for lubrication and cooling of the one or more bearings. The rotor fluid flow pathway may comprise one or more passages which may direct a fluid along the rotatable shaft toward the rotor and stator for cooling of the rotor and stator. The electric machine may also include a fluid flow passage leading to a junction, wherein the fluid flow pathway may split between the bearing fluid flow pathway and the rotor fluid flow pathway. Additionally, the electric machine may include a fluid flow metering device at the junction between the bearing fluid flow pathway and the rotor fluid flow pathway, wherein the metering device is configured to determine the relative amount of fluid that flows to the bearing and fluid that flows toward the rotor and stator.

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First Claim