Split type motor

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical device for mounting on a rotatable shaft, the electrical device comprising: at least two rotor sections configured to be combined in a coaxial manner around the shaft and mechanically coupled to the shaft to form a rotor; and at least two stator segments, the at least two stator segments having a housing such that the at least two stator segments are configured to be combined in a coaxial stator configuration around the rotor. The device comprises a coupling secured in a coaxial configuration to the shaft, the coupling comprising a flange section extending outwardly from the shaft, the flange and the rotor comprising mating locking sections to connect the rotor to the flange and thereby to the shaft.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a split electric machine, in particular a generator or a motor, suitable for installation in existing and new propulsion shafts having a rotating axle.

[0002] For some applications like marine vessels, hybrid propulsion systems are needed, where an electric motor or generator can be added to the main propulsion system to run together with the main propulsion system or as an alternative to the main propulsion system, or the electric motor or generator can constitute the main system. This can be used to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, as well as increase the flexibility of the system in case of errors. Such a solution is discussed in WO2021 / 234675, where the electric motor can be connected to the shaft of an existing propulsion system without dismantling the existing system.

[0003] The machine in WO2021 / 234675 consists of a split assembly having a split rotor that can be mounted around a propulsion shaft and connected to the propulsion shaft and a split stator / housing that is connected around the rotor and the shaft. The rotor can be connected to the shaft by a collar fastened to the shaft, wherein the rotor is rotationally fixed to the collar by a provided feature. A problem associated with this solution is that the rotor is fixed to the shaft. If an error occurs in the connection between the rotor and the stator, such as a short circuit in the stator or the connected equipment, physical contact or touch between the stator or the rotor, or increased friction between the stator or the rotor, the propulsion system will continue to rotate the entire device or the connected equipment and damage the entire device or the connected equipment.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an electric machine, such as an electric motor or a generator, which can be mounted on an existing propulsion shaft and / or a new propulsion shaft, while providing additional safety in the event of an error in the machine or connected equipment. The installation process should also be non-intrusive and simple, and a method for monitoring the relative rotational position of the shaft, rotor and / or stator to control operation and to detect damage or errors in the device and assist in mitigating the fault and / or re-establishing operation can also be provided. One or more of these objects have been achieved with an apparatus as mentioned above and specified in the appended claims.

[0005] Although the following discussion is primarily based on uses in marine vessel propulsion, other uses are also contemplated, such as, for example, motors and generators having a rotating shaft or axle around which couplings can be connected, gensets, gear systems, thrusters, winches, etc.

[0006] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0007] Figure 1An overview of the present invention connected to a propulsion system is shown.

[0008] Figure 2 A longitudinal section is shown of an embodiment according to the position of a coupling of a propulsion system.

[0009] Figure 3 A coupling according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0010] Figure 4a to Figure 4b A first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0011] Figure 5 A second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0012] Figure 6 A third embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0013] Figures 7 to 9 Another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0014] Fig.10 Still another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0015] like Figure 1 As shown, the invention relates to a device 1 connected to a shaft 2 of a propulsion system, in particular to an electric motor or generator, wherein an engine 3 drives the shaft 2, which also comprises an end connector 2a, for example for connection to a propeller in a marine vessel. The device 1 according to the invention is mounted on or connected to the shaft 2. Also shown in the figure is a shaft support 2b and a generator support 1a, which typically comprises a bearing.

[0016] exist Figure 2 , and in the embodiment shown, a coupling 4 is shown, which comprises a first flange 6, which is fastened to a corresponding flange 3a on the shaft 2 or the engine 3, thereby rotationally locking the coupling 4 to the shaft 2. A split flexible coupling can be connected between 2 / 3a and 6. The connection between the shaft 2 and the coupling 4 can alternatively be obtained in a variety of ways known in the art.

[0017] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 The coupling 4 used in the embodiment shown in the figure comprises a first flange 6 for connection with a shaft or an engine, and the coupling also comprises a second flange 7. The second flange 7 is configured to be connected to a corresponding part of the rotor of the generator or motor 1 according to the invention, for example using bolts, shear pins, or actuated shear pins / bolts. The coupling can be provided with a soft metal such as brass, titanium, copper, nickel, aluminum, etc. to avoid wear between the coupling and the shaft, and the number of flanges depends on the solution achieved.

[0018] exist Figure 4a An embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 1 , in which the engine 3 is connected to the propeller 2c via a shaft 2 and a connector 2a. Figure 4b 1 shows a cross section of a device 1 according to the invention, wherein a coupling 4 consisting of two parts 4a, 4b is fastened to a shaft 2. A second flange 7 is connected to a corresponding flange 8 on a rotor 12 by means of a plurality of pins or bolts 9 ( Figure 4a ). In the figure, the flange 8 of the rotor has a coaxial section extending along the coupling 4. This can stabilize the movement and orientation of the rotor in the event of a pin breakage or disconnection.

[0019] In the embodiment shown, the rotor 12 is provided with permanent magnets 10, but other solutions such as external excitation poles and reluctance salient poles may be considered by those skilled in the art. An external stator 11 with a housing 15 encloses the rotor 12, and the rotor and stator are separated by an air gap 5. The stator may be provided with a water jacket cooling (39, Figure 7 ), as known in the art. The configuration of the rotor and the stator can be selected according to the existing scheme or the space during the transformation, as long as they can be divided into two or more sections to enclose the shaft 2 and the coupling 4.

[0020] As mentioned above, each of the coupling, rotor, stator and housing may be composed of two or more segments configured to be mounted on a shaft. Preferably, the rotor and stator are composed of three segments of 120 degrees each (e.g., Figure 4b 12c, 12d and 12e). Thus, the segments (of three parts) are coupled together - housing, stator and rotor, each with means for alignment and balancing. This not only simplifies installation where space is limited, but the three segments represent three force vectors at 120 degrees between the segments, facilitating balancing of the dynamic rotational behavior of the rotor. A greater number of segments can be envisaged, preferably a number divisible by a factor of three for the reasons mentioned above.

[0021] According to the invention, the pin or bolt 9 is configured to break under a predetermined force. In this way, when an accident occurs in which the rotation of the rotor and stator is locked, the device can be disengaged from the shaft 2 in a rotational manner, thereby limiting damage to the system.

[0022] The stator is not shown in detail, but as described above, it is also composed of two or more segments, preferably three segments, so as to be mounted around the shaft 2, the coupling 4 and the rotor 12. The housing 15 is arranged in the same way.

[0023] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4a A variation of the embodiment in which one or more split bearings 14 (preferably self-lubricating) are arranged between the section of the rotor flange 8 extending along the coupling and the coupling 4 to allow the section of the rotor flange 8 extending along the coupling and the coupling 4 to rotate relative to each other in the event that the pin has broken. The device may also include a manually or automatically operated brake 13 between the rotor 12 and the stator / housing 11, which can be used to lock the rotor or break the pin in certain circumstances. As an alternative, the pin or bolt may be broken or connected / disconnected at will.

[0024] exist Figure 6 In the invention, an additional pair of rotary sensors or encoders 20, 21 integrated with a frequency converter 22 that synchronizes the control algorithm is provided, which are capable of detecting and / or monitoring the relative movement between the rotor 12 and the shaft 2 and possibly the relative movement between the rotor 12 and the coupling 4. In this way, the position relative to the rotor and the shaft / coupling can be controlled or measured to stop and start the device. Thus, the movement of the rotor can be initiated or disconnected at a predetermined relative position between the parts. In addition, the rotational movement between the rotor and the shaft / coupling can be detected (for example, indicating a pin break) or monitored to connect the pins in the correct orientation of the parts relative to each other. The braking mechanism 13 can also be used to lock the relative orientation between the stator and the rotor. The encoder or sensor can be selected from commercially available solutions and will not be discussed in detail here.

[0025] Figure 7 Shows Figure 5 A variation of the embodiment in which an air gap is introduced between the shaft 2 and the rotor 12. In the illustrated example, a coupling 4 is positioned at each end of the rotor. The coupling 4 includes a flange section 9 outwardly from the shaft and as discussed above, the coupling 4 can be coupled to the rotor 12 using bolts 25. The coupling 4 can be connected to the shaft, for example, by one or more segmented compression fittings, which connect the segmented coupling to the shaft 2 by friction. Figure 3 and Figure 4aAs shown, an optional connection can be made by bolt flanges. One or more segmented connecting rings 35 allow the rotor 12 to be connected to the stator housing 15 by means of a manual / semi-automatic or actuated connection 36, so that the stator housing can bear weight and the rotor 12 and the coupling 4 are locked in place. The connecting ring 35 can also include any known type of breaking mechanism 13, as shown in the previous figure, which is configured to control the relative rotation between the rotor and the stator. As shown, the rotor is supported by two supports 2d, 2e on a common platform 1b (for example, on a ship). The supports 2e, 2d are provided with split bearings, which can be used to carry the weight of the rotor 12. The air gap and the fixing mechanism, the bearing mechanism and the disconnection mechanism allow the shaft 2 to operate freely, thereby allowing the device 1 to be disengaged without interfering with the main functions of the shaft system 2, 3. The air gap will limit the influence of the lateral vibration and rotation of the shaft 2 on the air gap between the rotor segment 10 and the stator segment 11.

[0026] exist Figure 7 In the invention, an additional pair of rotational sensors or encoders 20, 21 are provided, which are integrated with one or more frequency converters 22 and their control algorithms, and which are capable of detecting and / or monitoring the relative movement and position between the rotor 12, the coupling 4 and the shaft 2. In this way, the position relative to the rotor and the shaft / coupling can be controlled or measured to stop and start the device. Thus, the movement of the rotor 12 can be initiated or disconnected at a predetermined relative position between the components. In addition, the rotational movement between the rotor and the shaft / coupling can be detected (for example, to indicate a pin break) or monitored to connect the pins or bolts in the correct orientation of the parts relative to each other. As shown in FIG. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The breaking mechanism 13 shown in FIG. 1 can also be used to lock the relative orientation between the stator and the rotor. Figure 7 In the embodiment of the present invention, the breaking mechanism is connected to a separate flange on the rotor part 12 by a pin or bolt 36. The encoder or sensor 20, 21 can be selected from commercially available solutions and will not be discussed in detail here. The converter control device 22 and the sensor 20, 21 can selectively control the rotation gear / brake 23 of the main engine 3. The relative position can be controlled via the local operating panel (LOP).

[0027] Figure 8It shows how the position control device enables the installation of segments from the top in a narrow area. One stator segment after another and one rotor segment after another 10 can be installed on the rotor support flange from the top, and one stator segment after another can be installed on the stator housing permanent end shield structure 15 and the segmented connecting ring 35. Finally, the stator housing structure 15 can be fixed to the foundation with the help of a multi-position generator stand 33, see Fig. 9 .

[0028] Fig. 9 A method for the above stator installation is shown. The ring structure 30 positioned by a distributed rolling mechanism 31 placed on each of the stator housing structures 15 enables the stator segments 11 to be installed from the top. The segmented ring structure 30 on the stator support ring or shroud 15 allows all stator segments 11 to be handled from the top to be installed or placed in the installation position by the segmented ring structure 30. The assembled and rotatable stator is fixed to the base 1b by a fixed or multi-position stator foot 33. Therefore, the ring structure can carry the segments 11, and when all segments are coaxially in the correct position around the stator housing carrying structure 15, manual or automatic actuators allow the stator segments to be placed in appropriate positions around the circumference of the machine. This structure allows the dispatching of stator segments when a segment failure is detected by a frequency converter or sensor, and allows installation independent of the main system 2, 3, as described below. Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 A preferred installation method for the embodiment shown in , therefore, may for example involve the following steps:

[0029] 1. First, install the segmented supports 2d, 2e on the base of the vessel or general equipment 1. The segmented supports are allowed to rotate.

[0030] 2. Put the coupling parts 4a, 4b (see Figure 4b ) is connected to shaft 2.

[0031] 3. Assemble the rotor 12 (exclusive of the rotor segments 10) in the supports 2d, 2e.

[0032] 4. The rotor 12 is then connected to the couplings 4a, 4b.

[0033] 5. Assemble the top halves of the supports 2d and 2e to fix the position of the rotor 12.

[0034] 6. The assembly of supports 2d, 2e, coupling 4 and rotor 12 (without rotor segments 10) can now be rotated by means of rotating gear 3.

[0035] Alternatively, the connection between the coupling parts 4a, 4b and 12 may be deferred to allow the rotor assembly 12 (excluding 10) to be rotated relative to the support by conventional processing tools.

[0036] 7. The assembly of supports 2d, 2e, shaft 2, and coupling 4, and rotor 12 (excluding 10) may then be aligned and balanced according to methods known in the art.

[0037] 9. The rotor segment 10 including the segment external protection member can be assembled on the guide pins on the top of the flange of the rotor structure 12 by turning the gear or manually rotating, thereby fixing the rotor segment 10 including the external protection member and rotating it to the next position to install the next rotor segment 10 including the external protection member from the top until the circular installation is completed.

[0038] 10. The final circular rotor structure is then fixed, aligned and balanced according to methods known in the art.

[0039] 11. The segmented connecting ring 35 and connecting pieces 36 connect the segmented stator ring or shroud 15 to the stator shroud locking flange on the rotor 12.

[0040] 12. Align the ring 35, connectors 36 and segmented stator ring or shroud 15 according to methods known in the art.

[0041] 13. By turning the gears or manual rotation, the stator segments 11 can be assembled on the dedicated slots on top of the stator end shield structure 15, thereby fixing the stator segments 11 and rotating to the next position for installation of the next segment 11. As an option referred to as an alternative under step 7, the rotation can be achieved with the connection between the coupling part and the rotor postponed.

[0042] 14. The final circular stator structure is then fixed, aligned and balanced using a multi-position stand 33 according to methods known in the art. During steps 13 and 14 the rotor segment protection is removed.

[0043] 15. Disconnection of the locking connection 36 allows the rotor 12 , shaft 2 and coupling 4 to rotate freely relative to the stator 11 and stator housing 15 .

[0044] 16. During a breakdown or disassembly (e.g. for maintenance purposes) the process can be fully or partially reversed by scheduling the segments.

[0045] Reference Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , steps 13 to 16 may include the following:

[0046] During step 13, the breaking mechanism 13, the ring 35, the connecting elements 36 and the stator shroud 15 are fixed to the vessel structure by means of the stator feet. A segmented mounting ring 30 comprising a rolling mechanism 31 is mounted around the stator housing structure.

[0047] During step 14 , by rotating and positioning the mounting ring 30 and the rolling mechanism 31 , the stator segment 11 can be assembled on the dedicated slot on top of the annular stator shroud structure 15 , thereby fixing the stator segment 11 and rotating it to the next position for mounting the next segment 11 .

[0048] During step 15, the final circular stator structure is fixed to the stator shroud by manual or actuation mechanisms. The stator is aligned according to methods known in the art. During steps 14 and 15, the rotor segment protection is removed.

[0049] After step 15, disconnection of 36 allows the rotor 12, shaft 2 and coupling 4 to rotate freely relative to the stator.

[0050] Fig.10The embodiment that rotor 12 is divided into two rotor parts 12a, 12b along the longitudinal direction is shown. Each part can have a separate circuit and magnet or other known rotor 10a, 10b design principles, and bearings 2d, 2e, for example, use compression fittings to carry the weight of the components together with coupling flanges 4a, 4b. This solution makes the main motor with stator 11a) and first rotor part 12b, 10a have an additional independent internal motor, which includes stator 11b and second rotor part 10b, 12a in a separate chamber inside the first rotor part 12b of the main motor. The rotor and stator located in separate chambers avoid any failure such as short circuit that affects the complete function of the equipment. A compact full redundant device is formed using the internal space of the rotor. Both stators 11a, 11b can be cooled by water jackets as mentioned above. When two compression fittings are connected to the separated coupling 4 by friction, the two motors can operate in parallel. Once one of the two compression fittings is released, the main motor or the internal motor can rotate the shaft independently. An additional rotation sensor or encoder 20b is provided, which is integrated with one or more frequency converters 22 and their control algorithms, and is capable of detecting and / or monitoring the relative movement and position between the rotor component 12a, the rotor component 2b and the coupling segments 4a, 4b and the shaft 2. In this way, the position relative to the rotor and the shaft / coupling can be controlled or measured to stop and start the device. Therefore, the movement of the rotor can be initiated or disconnected at a predetermined relative position between the components. In addition, the rotational movement between the rotor and the shaft / coupling can be detected (for example, indicating a pin or bolt break) or monitored to connect the pin or bolt with the correct orientation of the parts relative to each other. The braking mechanism 13a, 13b can also be used to lock the relative orientation between the stator and the rotor. The encoder or sensor can be selected from commercially available solutions and will not be discussed in detail here.

[0051] In summary, the present invention relates to an electrical device for mounting on a rotating shaft, in particular a generator or an electric motor. The device comprises at least two rotor segments configured to be combined in a coaxial manner around the shaft and mechanically coupled to the shaft to form a rotor. The device also comprises at least two stator segments having a housing, the at least two stator segments configured to be combined in a coaxial stator configuration around the rotor.

[0052] The device also includes a coupling that is fastened to the shaft in a coaxial configuration, wherein the coupling includes a flange section that extends outwardly from the shaft. The flange and the rotor include matching locking sections to connect the rotor to the flange and thereby to the shaft. The coupling may also include an inner layer of soft metal to avoid wear between the coupling and the shaft.

[0053] The coupling is composed of at least two sections which are combined and fastened to each other and to the shaft.

[0054] Different forms and numbers of couplings, rotors and stators, housings, etc. are conceivable, but in order to maintain symmetrical loads and wear, they may preferably be of similar size and shape, preferably forming three sections of approximately 120 degrees each.

[0055] The rotor may comprise a member extending towards the shaft and possibly a distance along the shaft, and the member comprising at least one split bearing between the rotor and the shaft or between the rotor and the coupling arrangement.

[0056] The flange of the coupling may be fastened to the rotor, for example, by a flange on the rotor with bolts passing through the flange and the rotor. The bolts may be formed by shear pins configured to break at a predetermined force to allow the coupling and the rotor to rotate relative to each other.

[0057] A sensing device such as a rotation sensor or encoder may be provided which is capable of detecting the rotational position or rotational motion between the rotor and the shaft and / or between the shaft and the stator. The generator, rotor and / or stator may be configured to be enabled or disabled at a predetermined relative position between them to drive the device. In the event of a deviation between the expected motion and the detected motion, the rotor will be disabled and the error recorded.

[0058] The device according to the invention may be part of a system, wherein when the device operates as a generator the device is connected to a battery circuit for storing the generated energy and when the device operates as a motor the device is connected to an electrical power supply.

[0059] Alternatively, two couplings 4 are mounted on the shaft 2, with the rotor 12 extending along the shaft between the couplings, and the rotor 12 having an inner dimension greater than the shaft 2 to provide an air gap between the rotor and the shaft. As discussed above, the coupling 4 connector may be secured to the shaft by a segmented compression fitting, or secured directly to the shaft with a flange / flywheel connection or via a connection.

[0060] The sensing means 20, 21 may be configured to detect the relative movement and position between the rotor / coupling and the shaft, wherein the device according to the invention may be controlled to manually, semi-automatically or automatically disconnect the coupling, such as compression fit and flywheel flange, from the rotor or from the coupling, or when fixed to the stator by means of a manual or actuated fixing means in a braking mechanism or unit 13, disconnect the coupling, such as compression fit and flywheel flange, from the rotor or from the coupling. It may also include an automatic or local control 22 of the main engine turning gear 3 to position and lock the shaft line.

[0061] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the present invention allows the segmented flange coupling to be rotated by rotating each positionally controlled mounting area to assemble all rotor segments onto the flange from the top.

[0062] As about Fig. 9 As discussed, the segmented stator support ring and temporary or permanent flange ring or rotatable ring on the stator support ring allow access to all stator segments from the top to install or place all stator segments in the installation position through the segmented ring structure. The assembled and rotatable stator can be fixed to the base by a multi-position stator stand.

[0063] The outer stator or inner rotor of the machine may be provided with water cooling and the shaft may be turned by means of the existing main rotor or by adding additional rotor windings or poles inside the main rotor.

[0064] The internal hollow structure allows the internal shaft to be connected through the internal motor stator and flange to the rotor on one or both sides of the machine.

[0065] The rotor may alternatively be an elongated rotor extending along a shaft and a coupling connected to each end of the rotor, the rotor having an inner radius exceeding the radius of the shaft, thereby providing an air gap between the shaft and the rotor. In this case, the shaft and the rotor may be rotatably supported by at least one support structure. In addition, the rotor may be divided in the longitudinal direction, each part being connected to a coupling and each part comprising a stator segment for each rotor part.

[0066] According to another aspect, the invention relates to an electric machine for driving a rotatable shaft, the machine comprising: at least two couplings, the at least two couplings being fastened to the shaft in a coaxial arrangement; and an elongated rotor, the elongated rotor extending along the shaft and connected at each end to the couplings and thus to the shaft, the rotor consisting of at least two rotor sections, the at least two rotor sections being configured to be combined in a coaxial manner around the shaft, the rotor being sized to provide a coaxial air gap between the rotor and the shaft, and wherein the machine comprises a stator, the stator consisting of at least two stator sections having a housing, the at least two stator sections being configured to be combined in a coaxial stator arrangement around the rotor. As mentioned above, the rotor is rotatably supported by at least one support structure.

[0067] According to a further aspect of the invention, the rotor may be divided into two rotor parts in the longitudinal direction, wherein each part has at least two stator segments configured to be combined in a coaxial stator configuration around the rotor, so that the rotor parts are configured to operate independently of each other. The stator housing may enclose the two stators with corresponding magnets or rotor segments. The rotor parts and the rotor segments may have different sizes, and one of the rotor parts and the rotor segments may be positioned in a chamber inside the other, such as Fig.10 shown.

[0068] The present invention also relates to a method for assembling the machine or device described above, the method comprising the following steps:

[0069] a) Mount the two couplings to the shaft at a predetermined distance from each other.

[0070] b) Assembling at least two rotor segments around the shaft.

[0071] c) Rotate the rotor segment to the new orientation to install the next rotor segment from the top until the circular installation is complete.

[0072] d) Connecting the segmented connecting ring to the segmented stator shroud and to the rotor, with the connecting ring and stator segments mounted so that they can rotate independently of the rotor.

[0073] e) Rotating the stator shroud and rotor to the next position where they can rotate independently of each other to install the next stator segment.

[0074] f) Disconnecting the locking connection to allow the rotor 12 to rotate freely relative to the stator 11.

[0075] Depending on the situation, the connection between the rotor and the coupling can be provided in step b) or in step f). Step b) may also include the installation of an external rotor protection device. The rotation is performed by means of a rotating gear.

Claims

1. An electrical device for mounting on a rotatable shaft, the electrical device comprising: at least two rotor segments configured to be coaxially combined around the shaft and mechanically coupled to the shaft to form a rotor, and at least two stator segments having a housing, the at least two stator segments being configured to be combined in a coaxial stator configuration around the rotor, and Therein, the device comprises at least one coupling, at least one coupling being fastened to the shaft in a coaxial arrangement, the coupling comprising matching locking sections to connect the rotor to the coupling and thereby to the shaft.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The coupling is composed of at least two sections which are combined and fastened to the shaft.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The arrangement comprises at least one split bearing between the rotor and the shaft element or between the rotor and a coupling arrangement.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The coupling includes a flange secured to the rotor.

5. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The flange and the rotor are fastened to each other by bolts penetrating the flange and the rotor.

6. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The bolts are shear pins configured to break at a predetermined force to allow the coupling and the rotor to rotate relative to each other.

7. The device of claim 1, comprising a sensing device configured to detect a rotational position or rotational movement between the rotor and the shaft.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The rotor is configured to be activated or deactivated to drive the device upon sensing a predetermined relative position between the rotor and the shaft.

9. The device according to claim 7, wherein: In the event of a deviation between the expected movement and the detected movement, the rotor is deactivated and an error is recorded.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The coupling is provided with a soft metal on an inner surface, and the soft metal is configured to contact the shaft member.

11. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The rotor and / or the stator has at least three sections. Preferably, the at least three sections each form 120 degrees.

12. The device according to claim 1, comprising: an elongated rotor extending along the shaft; and a coupling connected to each end of the rotor, the rotor having an inner radius exceeding the radius of the shaft member to provide an air gap between the shaft member and the rotor.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein: The rotor is rotatably supported by at least one support structure.

14. The device according to claim 12, wherein: The rotor is divided in the longitudinal direction, each section being connected to a coupling and each section comprising one stator segment per rotor section.

15. A system comprising the device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The device constitutes a generator connected to a battery circuit for storing the generated energy.

16. A system comprising the device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The device is an electric motor connected to an electrical power supply.

17. A motor for driving a rotatable shaft, the motor comprising: at least two couplings, the at least two couplings being secured to the shaft in a coaxial arrangement; and an elongated rotor extending along the shaft and connected at each end to a coupling to the shaft, the rotor being comprised of at least two rotor sections configured to be combined in a coaxial manner around the shaft, the rotor being sized to provide a coaxial air gap between the rotor and the shaft, and wherein the machine comprises a stator comprised of at least two stator sections having a housing, the at least two stator sections configured to be combined in a coaxial stator configuration around the rotor.

18. The machine of claim 17, wherein: The rotor is rotatably supported by at least one support structure.

19. The machine of claim 17, wherein: The rotor is divided into two rotor parts in the longitudinal direction, each part having at least two stator segments, which are configured to be combined in a coaxial stator configuration around the rotor, so that the rotor parts are configured to operate independently of each other.

20. The machine of claim 19, wherein: The stator housing encloses the stator.

21. A method for assembling a machine according to claim 17, the method comprising the steps of: a) mounting two couplings to the shaft at a predetermined distance from each other; b) assembling at least two rotor segments around the shaft; c) rotating the rotor segment to a new orientation to install the next rotor segment from the top until the circular installation is complete; d) connecting a segmented connecting ring to a segmented stator shroud and the rotor; e) rotating the stator shroud and the rotor to a next position to install the next stator segment; f) disconnecting the locking connection to allow the rotor to rotate freely relative to the stator.

22. The method according to claim 19, wherein: Step b) comprises connecting the coupling to the rotor.

23. The method according to claim 19, wherein: Step f) comprises connecting the coupling to the rotor.

24. The method according to claim 19, wherein: The rotation is performed using a rotating gear.

25. The method of claim 19, wherein: Step b) comprises installing the external rotor protection device.

Images