Phase change heat sink for use in electrical solenoids and motors

A method, and a system for reducing the internal temperature of an electrical solenoid or motor device involves placing a heat absorbing phase change material (PCM) in intimate contact with the device to reduce the internal temperature of the device. The PCM material reduces the internal operational temperature of the device by undergoing an endothermic phase transition in an operating temperature range of the device. The PCM material transitions between a solid phase and a liquid phase in the internal operational temperature range of the device, or between a liquid phase and a gaseous phase in the internal operational temperature range of the device. The PCM material can be affixed externally to the device. For example, the PCM material is affixed in the form of externally placed pads to the device. The PCM material can also be affixed inside of the device. For example, the PCM material is placed in a potted position around and inside of coil windings of the device, or within an outer structure of the device.