Collecting ring with cooling fan
By installing double-sided fan fins and air vents on the slip ring and utilizing the unit's self-rotation to drive heat dissipation, the problem of excessive slip ring temperature was solved, achieving efficient heat dissipation and energy saving, and improving the operational stability and reliability of the equipment.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 浙江富春江水电设备有限公司
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
The existing generator slip rings are overheated due to insufficient heat dissipation, causing problems such as sparking, wear, and insulation aging. In addition, the external fan is affected by unstable power supply and consumes a lot of electricity.
The design incorporates a slip ring with double-sided fan fins and vents, utilizing the unit's rotation to drive the fan fins, creating a low-pressure area that promotes airflow and replaces an external fan for heat dissipation.
It effectively reduces the temperature of the slip ring, saves power consumption in the power station, improves the stability and reliability of equipment operation, extends service life, and avoids noise pollution.
Smart Images

Figure CN224249120U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of motor heat dissipation, and in particular to a slip ring with a cooling fan. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, many generators are experiencing overheating of their slip rings. Overheating of the slip rings can cause a series of problems for the generator, such as: accelerating carbon brush burnout and slip ring wear by causing sparks; causing short circuits between electrodes leading to slip ring fires; and causing insulation aging and reduced carbon brush sparking, which in turn can lead to a series of equipment failures and increase the risk of downtime for maintenance. Therefore, it is essential to improve the slip ring cooling system. Some power plants use temporary axial flow fans for air cooling to reduce slip ring temperature. However, this method is easily affected by unstable external power supply, resulting in ineffective cooling, high power consumption, and potential noise pollution.
[0003] Chinese Patent Publication No. CN208939757U, Publication Date: June 4, 2019, discloses a Chinese patent entitled "Internal Air Circulation Structure of a Closed Motor," which includes a rotating shaft, a rotor, a stator, and a motor housing. A centrifugal fan is mounted on the rotating shaft within the motor housing. Several ribs connect the stator and the motor housing, forming ventilation holes between the ribs. An axial flow fan is installed within these ventilation holes. This type of axial flow fan is susceptible to interference from unstable external power supplies, resulting in ineffective cooling, high power consumption, and potential noise pollution. Utility Model Content
[0004] This utility model provides a slip ring with a cooling fan. By setting double-sided fan fins and air holes, the fan fins are driven to rotate by the unit's own rotation, avoiding the temperature rise and potential noise pollution caused by the external fan due to unstable external power supply, and saving power consumption of the power station.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a collector ring with a cooling fan, comprising a plurality of collector rings, the collector rings being fixed to a collector ring bracket by insulating screws, and a plurality of insulating spacers being provided between the collector rings; the collector ring bracket having double-sided fan fins welded to the inner side of the collector rings, the plurality of double-sided fan fins being circumferentially distributed on the collector ring bracket, and a plurality of air holes being provided on the circumferential distribution line of the double-sided fan fins to draw in cold air and form a low-pressure area.
[0006] Preferably, the double-sided fan fins are disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the slip ring bracket, on the side of the slip ring facing the center of the bracket. The installation diameter and number of fan fins required are calculated based on the magnitude of the excitation current. A corresponding number of fan fins are designed and welded in pairs at corresponding diameter locations on both sides of the slip ring bracket. Air vents are then opened near each pair of double-sided fan fins. This ensures that the heat dissipation effect precisely matches the actual requirements, avoiding insufficient or excessive heat dissipation, improving heat dissipation efficiency while saving energy and material costs. The paired welded fan fins and corresponding air vent layout can distribute airflow more evenly, further enhancing the heat dissipation effect and ensuring that the slip ring maintains good heat dissipation under various operating conditions, extending the service life of the slip ring.
[0007] Preferably, the air vents are located on one side of the double-sided fan fins and are evenly distributed along the circumferential distribution line of the double-sided fan fins. The even distribution of the air vents allows airflow to enter the low-pressure area formed by the double-sided fan fins more evenly, avoiding uneven heat dissipation caused by concentrated airflow. This ensures more uniform heat dissipation throughout the entire slip ring area, effectively reducing temperature differences between different parts of the slip ring, minimizing the risk of malfunctions caused by localized overheating, and improving the stability and reliability of equipment operation.
[0008] Preferably, the double-sided fan blades rotate on their own, drawing in cool air from outside the slip ring shroud. This creates a low-pressure area, promoting airflow. Utilizing the unit's own rotational power to drive the double-sided fan blades eliminates the need for an additional power unit, saving space and cost. Simultaneously, by drawing in cool air from outside the slip ring shroud and creating a low-pressure area, airflow is effectively promoted, accelerating the exhaust of hot air and the replenishment of cool air, forming a good air convection circulation, further improving heat dissipation efficiency, and ensuring the slip ring remains within a suitable operating temperature range, guaranteeing efficient equipment operation.
[0009] Preferably, several slip rings are distributed on the upper and lower surfaces of the slip ring bracket, and locking elements, specifically locking nuts, are provided at both ends of the insulating screw. Distributing the slip rings on the upper and lower surfaces of the slip ring bracket makes full use of space, improving the compactness and integration of the equipment. The locking nuts at both ends of the insulating screw securely fix the slip rings, preventing them from loosening or shifting during operation due to vibration or other reasons. This ensures a stable and reliable connection between the slip rings and the slip ring bracket, thereby guaranteeing the normal operation of the entire equipment and reducing malfunctions and safety hazards caused by loose connections.
[0010] Preferably, the locking element and the insulating screw work together to fix the slip ring and the insulating spacer to the slip ring bracket. This connection method tightly connects the slip ring, the insulating spacer, and the slip ring bracket together, forming a stable structural unit. During equipment operation, even under significant mechanical stress or vibration, the components maintain a relatively stable positional relationship, avoiding faults such as friction and short circuits caused by relative displacement between components. This improves the operational stability and reliability of the equipment, and also facilitates installation, disassembly, and maintenance.
[0011] Preferably, several insulating spacers are respectively disposed between the slip ring and the slip ring support.
[0012] Preferably, the double-sided fan fins blow hot air out of the slip ring cover from the fins, accelerating airflow. This carries away heat and lowers the temperature inside the slip ring and its cover. This working method of the double-sided fan fins directly blows hot air out of the slip ring cover from the fins, rapidly carrying away heat through accelerated airflow, thus significantly reducing the temperature inside the slip ring and its cover. This efficient heat dissipation method effectively prevents the slip ring from failing due to overheating, such as thermal expansion and insulation aging, extending the slip ring's service life. It also helps improve the overall performance and operating efficiency of the equipment, ensuring that the equipment maintains good working condition during long-term operation.
[0013] Preferably, several insulating spacers are respectively disposed between the slip ring and the locking element. The insulating spacers between the slip ring and the locking element further enhance the insulation performance between them, preventing short circuits caused by electrical contact between the metal material of the locking element and the slip ring. Simultaneously, the insulating spacers also act as buffers and shock absorbers, reducing the mechanical stress on the slip ring generated by the locking element during tightening, protecting the surface of the slip ring from damage, and improving the operational stability and reliability of the equipment.
[0014] Preferably, the insulating spacer and slip ring are provided with mounting holes located on the central axis of the insulating screw. Positioning the mounting holes of the insulating spacer and slip ring on the central axis of the insulating screw ensures accurate alignment of all components during installation, improving installation precision and reliability. This design allows the insulating screw to evenly bear the weight and force of each component, avoiding uneven screw stress and component tilting caused by misalignment of the mounting holes. This ensures the structural and operational stability of the entire equipment and also facilitates installation and maintenance.
[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model provides a collector ring with a cooling fan. By setting double-sided fan fins and air holes, it uses the permanent fan built into the unit to replace the temporary axial flow fan. The rotation of the unit drives the fan fins to rotate, avoiding the temperature rise caused by the instability of the external fan, and saving the power plant's electricity consumption. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention.
[0017] Figure 2 This is a top view of the present invention.
[0018] Reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1: slip ring; 2: slip ring bracket; 3: air vent; 4: insulating screw; 5: double-sided fan fins; 6: insulating spacer; 7: locking element. Detailed Implementation
[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0020] In power systems, slip rings are crucial components, playing a vital role in transmitting electrical energy and signals. However, slip rings generate heat during operation due to the flow of current. If heat cannot be dissipated in time, excessively high temperatures will severely affect the performance and lifespan of the slip ring, and may even cause equipment failure, jeopardizing the stable operation of the entire power system. This invention, a slip ring with a cooling fan, effectively solves the heat dissipation problem of slip rings through innovative structural design, while simultaneously achieving energy saving and efficiency improvement.
[0021] This utility model patent is mainly used to reduce the temperature of the slip ring 1. The slip ring 1 and the carbon brush are key contact components between the rotating and stationary parts of the generator unit, and also serve as a bridge between the excitation system and the generator rotor. They are responsible for transmitting excitation voltage and current to the rotor windings and are important components of the generator.
[0022] The slip ring with a cooling fan of this invention can effectively reduce the temperature of slip ring 1 by about 10°C, bringing the temperature of slip ring 1 and carbon brushes below the national standard range. This ensures the safe and stable operation of the generator set and reduces economic losses. The permanent fan integrated into the generator set of this invention can replace the temporary axial flow fan added to the power station, avoiding temperature rises caused by unstable external power supply and saving power station electricity.
[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, this slip ring with cooling fan mainly consists of slip ring 1, slip ring bracket 2, insulating spacer plate 6, double-sided fan fins 5, air vents 3, insulating screws 4, and locking components 7. Multiple slip rings 1 are fixed to the slip ring bracket 2 by insulating screws 4. Insulating spacers 6 are installed between slip rings 1 to ensure electrical insulation between them. Double-sided fan fins 5 are welded to the upper and lower surfaces of the slip ring 1 on the inner side of the slip ring bracket 2. These double-sided fan fins 5 are evenly distributed circumferentially. Several air vents 3 are evenly arranged along the circumferential distribution line of the double-sided fan fins 5. Through this structural design, the rotation of the unit drives the double-sided fan fins 5 to rotate, achieving efficient heat dissipation.
[0024] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the double-sided fan fins 5 are mounted on the upper and lower surfaces of the slip ring bracket 2, and are located on the side of the slip ring 1 facing the center of the slip ring bracket 2. During the design phase, the installation diameter and number of fan fins need to be precisely calculated based on the magnitude of the excitation current. For example, for a generator set with an excitation current of I, a professional heat dissipation calculation model determines that N pairs of fan fins need to be installed on a circle with a diameter of D. Then, the corresponding number of fan fins are designed and welded in pairs at the corresponding diameters on both sides of the slip ring bracket 2. This method of precisely matching heat dissipation components according to actual needs avoids insufficient or excessive heat dissipation. In a practical application at a power station, after adopting this design, the heat dissipation efficiency increased by 30% compared to before, while saving approximately 20% in material costs. The paired welded fan fins can distribute airflow more evenly. When the unit rotates and drives the fan fins to rotate, the upper and lower fan fins work together to form a stable and uniform airflow field around the slip ring 1, further enhancing the heat dissipation effect and ensuring that the slip ring 1 can maintain a good heat dissipation state under various operating conditions, effectively extending the service life of the slip ring 1.
[0025] like Figure 2As shown, air vents 3 are located on one side of the double-sided fan fin 5, evenly distributed along the circumferential distribution line of the double-sided fan fin 5. The diameter, number, and spacing of the air vents 3 have been carefully calculated and designed. Taking a fan fin circumference with a diameter of D as an example, through fluid dynamics simulation and actual testing, it was determined that when M air vents 3 with a diameter of d are evenly opened on this circumference, and the spacing between the air vents 3 is L, the airflow can enter the low-pressure area formed by the double-sided fan fin 5 more evenly. In actual operation, when the double-sided fan fin 5 rotates, the air vents 3 can guide the outside cold air to flow in evenly, avoiding uneven local heat dissipation caused by concentrated airflow. In the collector ring equipment of a wind farm, after adopting this air vent 3 design, the temperature difference between various parts of the collector ring 1 was significantly reduced, effectively reducing the risk of failure caused by local overheating and improving the stability and reliability of equipment operation.
[0026] The double-sided fan fins 5 rotate on their own, driven by the unit's rotation, which is a major innovation of this invention. During unit operation, their rotational speed is stable and continuous, providing a reliable power source for the rotation of the double-sided fan fins 5. When the fan fins rotate, according to fluid dynamics principles, the blade shape and rotation direction cause air to be rapidly drawn into the outside of the collector ring shroud, forming a low-pressure area around the collector ring 1. This low-pressure area effectively promotes airflow, accelerating the exhaust of hot air and the replenishment of cold air, forming a good air convection circulation. Compared with the traditional method of relying on an external power source to drive the cooling fan, this design requires no additional power unit, saving space and avoiding the problem of abnormal cooling fan operation caused by unstable external power, which could lead to an increase in the temperature of the collector ring 1. Simultaneously, utilizing the unit's self-rotation for cooling eliminates the need for additional electrical energy consumption during equipment operation, saving the power plant a significant amount of electricity and avoiding the noise that might be generated by an external fan. Statistics show that in a power plant with multiple generator sets, using this collector ring 1 with a cooling fan can save electricity, resulting in significant economic benefits.
[0027] like Figure 1As shown, several slip rings 1 are distributed on the upper and lower surfaces of the slip ring bracket 2. This layout makes full use of space and improves the compactness and integration of the equipment. During installation, the slip rings 1 are connected to the slip ring bracket 2 via insulating screws 4. The insulating screws 4 are made of high-strength insulating material, which can ensure electrical insulation between the slip rings 1 and the slip ring bracket 2, and can also withstand certain mechanical stress. Locking elements 7, which are locking nuts, are provided at both ends of the insulating screws 4. During installation, the slip rings 1 are accurately placed in the preset positions on the slip ring bracket 2, and then the insulating screws 4 are passed through the corresponding mounting holes on the slip rings 1 and the slip ring bracket 2. The locking nuts are then tightened at both ends of the insulating screws 4. The tightening torque of the locking nuts has been rigorously calculated and tested to ensure that the slip rings 1 are firmly fixed and prevented from loosening or shifting due to vibration or other reasons during operation. In the actual operation of a hydropower station, after long-term monitoring, the slip ring 1, which adopts this fixing method, still maintains a stable connection in a complex vibration environment without any signs of loosening. This ensures that the connection between slip ring 1 and slip ring bracket 2 is stable and reliable, guarantees the normal operation of the entire equipment, and reduces the failures and safety hazards caused by loose connections.
[0028] The engagement of the locking element 7 and the insulating screw 4 is crucial for ensuring a tight connection between the slip ring 1, the insulating spacer 6, and the slip ring bracket 2. The insulating screw 4 is made of high-strength insulating material, providing not only mechanical connection for the components but also effectively isolating electrical paths, ensuring the safety of equipment operation. The locking element 7 is typically a robust and durable nut. During installation, the insulating screw 4 passes sequentially through the pre-drilled mounting holes on the slip ring 1, the insulating spacer 6, and the slip ring bracket 2. For example, in a standard slip ring assembly, the diameter of the insulating screw 4 is precisely calculated to ensure it can withstand the mechanical stress generated by the slip ring 1 during operation while maintaining good insulation performance. The nuts are tightened at both ends of the insulating screw 4, with the tightening torque adhering to strict standards and operated using a professional torque wrench to ensure a tight connection and uniform stress distribution among the components. This engagement method allows the slip ring 1, the insulating spacer 6, and the slip ring bracket 2 to form a stable structural unit. Even when subjected to strong mechanical vibrations during operation, such as those experienced by a large wind turbine generator where tower vibrations are transmitted to the collector ring 1, the components maintain a relatively stable positional relationship. This effectively avoids faults such as friction and short circuits caused by relative displacement between components, greatly improving the stability and reliability of the equipment. Furthermore, this standardized installation method simplifies installation and disassembly operations when maintenance or component replacement is required, allowing maintenance personnel to quickly separate or reassemble the components.
[0029] like Figure 1As shown, several insulating spacers 6 are respectively disposed between the slip ring 1 and the slip ring support 2. The insulating spacers 6 are made of high-quality insulating material, and their thickness and dimensions are carefully designed. The presence of the insulating spacers 6 not only enhances the insulation effect between the slip ring 1 and the slip ring support 2, preventing electrical short circuits, but also provides a certain buffering effect. During the operation of the slip ring 1, the current flowing through it generates heat, causing the slip ring 1 to heat up and potentially expand thermally. The insulating spacers 6 can absorb some of the stress generated by the thermal expansion of the slip ring 1, protecting the structural integrity of the slip ring 1 and the slip ring support 2, and extending the service life of the equipment.
[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, an insulating spacer 6 is also provided between the slip ring 1 and the locking element 7. This arrangement further enhances the insulation performance between the slip ring 1 and the locking element 7. The locking element 7 is usually made of metal, and if it comes into direct contact with the slip ring 1, it is very easy to cause a short circuit. The intervention of the insulating spacer 6 effectively isolates the electrical connection between the two. At the same time, during the tightening process of the locking element 7, the insulating spacer 6 can also play a role in buffering and shock absorption. When the nut is tightened, the insulating spacer 6 can disperse the mechanical stress generated by the locking element 7 on the slip ring 1, avoiding damage to the surface of the slip ring 1 due to excessive compressive force. For example, in multiple simulated tightening experiments of the locking element 7, obvious indentations appeared on the surface of the slip ring 1 when the insulating spacer 6 was not used, while the surface of the slip ring 1 remained intact after using the insulating spacer 6, which greatly improved the stability and reliability of the equipment operation.
[0031] The mounting holes on the insulating spacer 6 and the slip ring 1 are all located on the central axis of the insulating screw 4. During manufacturing, the machining precision requirements for the mounting holes on the slip ring 1 and the insulating spacer 6 are extremely high, with positional deviations controlled within a very small range, such as ±0.1 mm. This high-precision machining ensures accurate alignment of all components during installation. When the insulating screw 4 passes through these mounting holes, it can evenly bear the weight and force of each component. Taking a device with multiple slip rings 1 as an example, if the mounting hole positional deviation is large, the insulating screw 4 will experience localized stress concentration under load, leading to deformation or even breakage of the screw. It will also cause the slip ring 1 and the insulating spacer 6 to tilt, affecting the electrical performance and mechanical stability of the equipment. By placing the mounting holes on the central axis of the insulating screw 4, these problems are effectively avoided, ensuring the structural and operational stability of the entire equipment, while also facilitating installation and maintenance. During installation, personnel can quickly and accurately assemble the components, improving work efficiency.
[0032] Installation Procedure: When installing the slip ring 1 with cooling fan, first inspect the slip ring bracket 2 to ensure its surface is flat, free from deformation, and the welded parts are secure. Then, according to the calculated fan fin installation diameter and quantity, precisely weld the double-sided fan fins 5 at corresponding positions on the upper and lower surfaces of the slip ring bracket 2, and create air vents 3 near the fan fins. Next, install the insulating spacer 6 between the slip rings 1 to ensure electrical insulation. Then, place the slip ring 1 on the upper and lower surfaces of the slip ring bracket 2 and initially fix it with the insulating screws 4. During the fixing process, use professional measuring tools to ensure the accurate installation position of the slip ring 1. Finally, tighten the locking nuts at both ends of the insulating screws 4 to the specified tightening torque. After installation, conduct a comprehensive inspection of the entire slip ring assembly, including the welding quality of the fan fins, the unobstructedness of the air vents 3, the secure fixing of the slip ring 1, and the electrical insulation performance.
[0033] This utility model presents a slip ring 1 with a cooling fan, featuring a simple, easy-to-implement, and highly effective heat dissipation structure. Through the precise engagement of the locking element 7 and the insulating screw 4, the rational arrangement of the insulating spacer 6, and the efficient heat dissipation mechanism of the double-sided fan fins 5, the stability of the equipment structure and the optimization of heat dissipation performance are achieved. In practical applications, this slip ring 1 demonstrates excellent performance, effectively improving the reliability of power equipment operation and reducing downtime caused by equipment failure. This utility model's built-in permanent fan can replace the temporary axial flow fan added to the power station, avoiding temperature rise caused by unstable external power supply, saving power station electricity consumption, and also avoiding noise pollution that may be generated by the external fan.
[0034] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A slip ring with a cooling fan, characterized in that, It includes several slip rings, which are fixed to slip ring brackets by insulating screws, and several insulating spacers are provided between the slip rings; Double-sided fan fins are welded to the inner side of the collector ring bracket. Several double-sided fan fins are circumferentially distributed on the collector ring bracket. Several air holes are provided on the circumferential distribution line of the double-sided fan fins on the collector ring bracket to draw in cold air and form a low-pressure area.
2. The slip ring with a cooling fan according to claim 1, characterized in that, The double-sided fan fins are set on the upper and lower surfaces of the collector ring bracket, and are located on the side of the collector ring facing the center of the collector ring bracket.
3. A slip ring with a cooling fan according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air vents are located on one side of the double-sided fan fins and are evenly distributed along the circumferential distribution line of the double-sided fan fins.
4. A slip ring with a cooling fan according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that, The double-sided fan blades rotate on their own through the unit's rotation, drawing in cool air from outside the collector ring.
5. A slip ring with a cooling fan according to claim 1, characterized in that, Several slip rings are distributed on the upper and lower surfaces of the slip ring bracket, and locking elements are provided at both ends of the insulating screw.
6. A slip ring with a cooling fan according to claim 5, characterized in that, The locking element and the insulating screw work together to fix the slip ring and the insulating spacer plate to the slip ring bracket.
7. A slip ring with a cooling fan according to claim 6, characterized in that, Several insulating spacers are respectively installed between the slip ring and the slip ring support.
8. A slip ring with a cooling fan according to claim 4, characterized in that, The double-sided fan fins blow hot air out of the collector ring shroud, accelerating airflow.
9. A slip ring with a cooling fan according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that, Several insulating spacers are respectively arranged between the slip ring and the locking element.
10. A slip ring with a cooling fan according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that, The insulating spacer and slip ring are provided with mounting holes located on the central axis of the insulating screw.