Systems and Methods for Electric Motor Construction

Systems and methods for constructing a stator for use in downhole equipment such as ESP systems, where granulated filler material is used instead of encapsulants to provide mechanical support to the stator windings, provide electrical insulation in the stator slots, and conduct heat away from the windings. In one embodiment, a stator for an electric motor includes a plurality of laminations stacked together to form a stator core. Stator windings are positioned in slots within the stator core. The stator core and windings are installed in a stator housing, and a solid, granular filler material is used to fill an unoccupied volume within the slots. Retainer fittings are secured to the stator to retain the granulated filler material in the slots.