A temperature control system for an electrical machine and a method of operating the system is provided. The machine includes a housing enclosing a motor and a compressor, the housing includes a suction pipeline in flow communication with the compressor. The suction pipeline is configured to channel fluid into the housing. A temperature control system assembly includes a fluid mover coupled to at least one of the rotor shaft and the compressor shaft and in flow communication with the suction pipeline upstream from the compressor. The fluid mover is configured to channel the fluid from the suction pipeline and across at least one of the motor and the compressor. Temperature control system includes a distribution header coupled to the housing and in flow communication with the fluid mover, the distribution header includes a first outlet coupled in flow communication to the motor to channel the fluid across the motor.