Electromechanical Devices

Abstract

An electromechanical device comprising a stator (1), a rotor (2), and one or more TEG portions (3, 19) arranged to receive heat from at least one of the stator and the rotor.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to electromechanical devices such as electric motors and generators. [Background technology]

[0002] An electric motor is a device that consumes electrical power to produce shaft power. A generator is a device that consumes shaft power to produce electrical power. Some devices can operate as both an electric motor and a generator.

[0003] Electric motors have been used in vehicles for many years to power auxiliary devices such as cooling fans, and their use to propel vehicles is becoming increasingly popular. Vehicles with electric motors assisting internal combustion engines are known as "hybrid vehicles," while vehicles that rely solely on electric motors for motive power are referred to as "electric vehicles."

[0004] Some vehicles slow the vehicle (or regulate the vehicle's speed downhill) by employing an electric generator that consumes axle power from the vehicle's road-contacting wheels; this is called "regenerative braking."

[0005] Typical electromechanical devices are not 100% efficient. Some power is lost in the conversion between electrical power and shaft power. The inventors have recognized that it would be useful to capture at least some of this lost power.

[0006] With the above in mind, the present invention aims to provide an improvement in, or at least an alternative for, electromechanical devices.

[0007] No information in this patent specification is admitted to be common general knowledge or that a person skilled in the art could reasonably be expected to ascertain, understand, consider relevant, or combine it in any way prior to the priority date. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The inventors have recognized that existing electromechanical devices lose energy to heat, that this heat can be recaptured using one or more thermoelectric generators (TEGs), and that high efficiency can be achieved by positioning the TEG portions to accept heat from specific portions of the electromechanical device.

[0009] A TEG is a solid-state device that generates electrical power when exposed to a temperature difference. A typical TEG is a thin or mesh-like device with two major surfaces, one for receiving heat and one for dissipating heat.

[0010] Generally, there are three different types of TEG units: The first type has a ceramic substrate rigid TEG unit, which is configured electrically in series and thermally in parallel between each pair of P-type and N-type semiconductors.

[0011] The second type is flexible in nature, configured as a series rigid-type TEG with flexible electrodes and substrate, and can be bent in only one direction (ignoring the small angle of "TEG unit bend stack" in other directions, which is typically less than 20 degrees). The inventors have recognized that uniaxially flexible TEG units cannot be bent in the second direction because, as a result of being configured in series and thermally parallel, they lack mechanical strength in the second direction, and the flexible substrate and electrodes will break the flexible TEG unit.

[0012] The third type is biaxially flexible. The bending rotation in the second direction is more than 300 degrees. These biaxial TEG units each consist of a cluster of pairs of P-type and N-type semiconductors. For example, group A of P-type and N-type semiconductors can be bent in one axis direction, while group B of P-type and N-type semiconductors can be bent in the other axis direction, operating separately within one biaxial TEG unit. Group A and group B are not connected to each other in the power generation process and integrate their own power supplies.

[0013] One aspect of the present invention is a stator; A rotor, one or more TEG portions positioned to receive heat from at least one of the stator and the rotor; An electromechanical device is provided, comprising:

[0014] Preferably, a case houses the stator, the rotor, and the one or more TEG portions. Most preferably, the electromechanical device includes a cooling passage within the case for conveying cooling air to at least one of the one or more TEG portions.

[0015] Optionally, the stator comprises a winding, and the one or more TEG portions comprise a winding-drive TEG portion disposed on a portion of the winding. The winding-drive TEG portion may be wound around the portion of the winding. The winding-drive TEG portion is preferably a flexible TEG portion, more preferably a biaxially flexible TEG portion. Optionally, an adhesive glob is adhered to each of the winding-drive TEG portion and the portion of the winding.

[0016] Optionally, the stator comprises a lamination stack, and the one or more TEG sections comprise a lamination drive TEG section disposed on a portion of the lamination stack. The lamination drive TEG section may be wrapped around the portion of the lamination stack. The lamination drive TEG section is preferably flexible. Preferably, an adhesive mass is bonded to the lamination drive TEG section and the laminations of the lamination stack.

[0017] Optionally, the one or more TEG segments comprise a rotor drive TEG segment disposed within a portion of the rotor, preferably the rotor. Preferably, the rotor drive TEG segment is flexible, e.g., biaxially flexible. An adhesive mass may be adhered to each of the rotor drive TEG segment and the rotor.

[0018] Preferably, at least one of the one or more TEG portions is flexible, eg, biaxially flexible.

[0019] The electromechanical device may be an electric motor for traction of the vehicle and / or a generator for regenerative braking of the vehicle.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a semiconductor device comprising: a stator; A rotor, one or more TEG portions positioned to receive heat from at least one of the stator and the rotor; Equipped with The stator is a laminate stack; a plurality of head windings, each of which forms a ring around an end of the lamination stack; Equipped with the one or more TEG sections comprise one or more winding drive TEG sections; One or more winding-driven TEG sections are biaxially flexible; An electromechanical device is provided.

[0021] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a semiconductor device comprising: a stator; A rotor, one or more TEG portions positioned to receive heat from at least one of the stator and the rotor; Equipped with The stator is a laminate stack; a plurality of head windings, each forming a respective ring around a respective end of the lamination stack; Equipped with the one or more TEG sections include one or more winding drive TEG sections covering at least a majority of the head windings; An electromechanical device is provided.

[0022] Preferably, the TEG portion or portions cover at least 90% of the head windings.

[0023] Optionally, at least one respective heading winding of the head windings has a respective inner retainer running around at least a majority of the inside of the respective head winding to urge the TEG portion outwardly relative to the respective heading winding.

[0024] In one embodiment, each inner retainer elastically deforms inward to bias the TEG portion outward against the respective heading winding.

[0025] Optionally, at least one respective heading winding of the head windings has a respective outer retainer running around at least a majority of the outside of the respective head winding to urge the TEG portion inwardly relative to the respective heading winding.

[0026] In one embodiment, each outer retainer elastically deforms outward to bias the TEG portion inward against the respective heading winding.

[0027] The electromechanical device may include fluid-carrying channels for cooling one or more winding-driven TEG sections, preferably cooling the head windings in parallel with one another.

[0028] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a semiconductor device comprising: a stator; A rotor, one or more TEG portions positioned to receive heat from at least one of the stator and the rotor; a flow path for carrying a fluid for cooling one or more TEG portions; Equipped with The stator is a laminate stack; a plurality of head windings, each of which forms a ring around an end of the lamination stack; Equipped with the one or more TEG sections comprise one or more winding drive TEG sections; the flow paths cool the head windings in parallel with one another; An electromechanical device is provided.

[0029] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a semiconductor device comprising: a stator comprising a lamination stack; A rotor, one or more TEG portions positioned to receive heat from at least one of the stator and the rotor; a flow path for carrying a fluid for cooling one or more TEG portions; a cooling system that supplies a cooled fluid to the flow path; An electromechanical device is provided, comprising:

[0030] The cooling system may comprise a heat pump. Optionally, the cooling system comprises an air conditioner for cooling the interior of the vehicle.

[0031] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a semiconductor device comprising: a stator; A rotor, one or more TEG portions positioned to receive heat from at least one of the stator and the rotor; Equipped with the stator comprises a lamination stack; the one or more TEG portions include one or more stack drive TEG portions covering at least a majority of the exterior of the stack; An electromechanical device is provided.

[0032] Preferably, the stack drive TEG portion or portions cover at least 90% of the exterior of the stack.

[0033] Another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle, which may be an electric vehicle, or may be a hybrid vehicle, and is preferably a road vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] Figure 1a is a perspective view of a stator with a TEG, and Figure 1b is a cutaway view showing one quarter of the stator with a TEG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a half cross-sectional view of another stator equipped with a TEG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another stator equipped with a TEG. [Figure 4] 4a, 4b and 4c show schematic diagrams of a flexible TEG. [Figure 5] Figures 5a and 5b show two TEG pieces connected together via a plug and socket. [Figure 6] Figures 6a, 6b and 6c show two TEG pieces connected together by a flexible connection. [Figure 7] Figures 7a and 7b show two TEG strips interconnected by a flexibly attached plug and socket. [Figure 8]Figure 8a shows a TEG, Figure 8b shows a cutaway view of a rotor quadrant with the TEG of Figure 8a attached, and Figure 8c shows the rotor and TEG of Figure 8b combined with the shaft. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cutaway view showing one quadrant of an electric motor. [Figure 10] Figure 10a is a cutaway view showing one quarter of the stator, TEG and case combination, and Figure 10b is an exploded view of the combination of Figure 10a. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of a hybrid vehicle. [Figure 12] Figure 12a shows the integrated TEG laid out flat, Figure 12b shows the integrated TEG formed to fit over the head windings, and Figure 12c is a perspective view of the TEG piece of Figure 12b held in place by a restraint. [Figure 13] Figure 13a is a cutaway view of a half-toroidal TEG strip attached to a head winding, Figure 13b shows a portion of the TEG strip of Figure 13a combined with a restraint, and Figure 13c is a perspective view of a portion of an alternative half-toroidal TEG strip. [Figure 14] Figure 14a is a perspective view of an alternative head winding drive TEG strip, and Figure 14b is a top view of the TEG strip of Figure 14a in a closed position. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cutaway perspective view of the rotor drive TEG piece. [Figure 16] Figure 16a is an exploded view of the motor / generator unit, and Figure 16b is a cross-sectional view of the motor / generator unit of Figure 16a. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a half cross-sectional view of an alternative motor / generator unit. Description of the embodiment

[0035] Figure 1 shows a stator 1 equipped with a TEG 3. The stator 1 comprises a short, generally cylindrical tubular lamination stack 1a. The stack 1a is made up of individual laminations, each of which has a generally annular shape and a thickness of, for example, 0.7 mm. Each lamination typically comprises a steel body and a surface coating that electrically insulates the steel from adjacent laminations.

[0036] Typically, each lamination has an internal array of circular cutouts that are aligned to define longitudinal channels within the lamination stack in which windings are located.

[0037] The windings are typically made of enamel-coated copper and are wound repeatedly, with the wire running along an internal channel and then returning at the end of the channel along another internal channel. Often, the channels within the lamination stack are lined with plastic to protect the internal windings.

[0038] The exposed winding portions at each end of the stack together form a ring around the end of the lamination stack, often having a generally toroidal shape pointing axially outward, and are referred to as the "head windings."

[0039] 2 shows an alternative stator 1', which includes a lamination stack 1a and exposed windings 5', surrounded by a TEG 3'. While stator 1 is a tube with a length approximately equal to its width, stator 1' is a shorter, disk-like shape.

[0040] Preferably, the TEG 3 is part of a set of TEG segments that cover at least a majority of the exterior of the lamination stack 1a and / or cover at least a majority of the otherwise exposed outer (or inner, in the case of an external rotor motor) windings of the rotor. Preferably, mechanically separated TEG segments are spaced around the periphery of the stator 1.

[0041] In this embodiment, the laminate stack 1a has a cylindrical outer surface. The TEG 3 is flexible and includes a portion 3a that conforms to the cylindrical outer surface and a head winding portion 3b that has a roughly toroidal shape to encase the head winding. The TEG 3 also includes an intermediate portion 3c that interconnects portions 3a and 3b. Preferably, the TEG 3 includes uniformly distributed P-type and N-type semiconductors and two flexible electrodes that can be bent biaxially and is attached to a flexible substrate. The flexible substrate can be made of perovskite, polymer plastic, or silicon-based materials. Optionally, graphene and / or graphite elements are embedded in the substrate to improve thermal conductivity to the TEG unit. A flexible TEG is preferred because it conforms to the curvature of existing motor designs without requiring changes to the laminate profile or molded mounting structures to fill the space between the cylindrical laminate stack and the planar TEG surface.

[0042] Our experiments have shown that placing the TEG directly on the laminate stack 1a is more efficient. Optionally, the TEG can be attached without any additional components using a thermally conductive adhesive, with one blob of adhesive attached to each of the laminate stack 1a and the TEG portion 3a. The adhesive secures the TEG to the laminate stack and conforms to the surfaces of the laminate stack and the TEG portion for effective heat transfer. Other thermally conductive and conformable materials, such as thermal paste or graphite, can also be used, for example in combination with other fastening modes.

[0043] The TEG3 takes the form of a simple strip of material that is "biaxially flexible" and can be bent around two axes to conform to a toroidal or spherical surface, thereby closely following the shape of the head windings.

[0044] In this embodiment, material may collect in the transition region 3c. Therefore, in another variation of the system shown in Figures 3-4C, the middle portion 3c has a pair of notches 7 extending inward from each edge to allow the TEG portion to more closely follow the stack 1a and head portion. As shown in Figures 4b and 4c, the notches 7 leave portions 3a and 3b interconnected by a narrow neck of flexible material, allowing portions 3a and 3b to twist and move freely relative to each other.

[0045] A thin substrate is preferred. Optionally, the substrate may be reinforced with stiffeners 8, including edge stiffeners 8a running along each of the two long sides of the strip, transverse stiffeners 8b spaced along the strip and running across its width to divide it into generally square sections, and possibly edge stiffeners 8c along the edges of slots 7.

[0046] FIGS. 5a-7b illustrate alternative options, including separable TEG sections that can be associated with and interconnected with the TEG sections 3a and 3b. Interconnecting separate TEG sections allows for the combination of different types of TEG materials. For example, it may be more cost-effective to fabricate the stack drive TEG section 9a from a material that is flexible only in one direction and connect it to the winding drive section 9b, which is flexible in two directions. FIGS. 5a-5b illustrate plugs 11a attached directly to each TEG section. The plugs 11a and sockets 11b are examples of connectors that can cooperate with each other to electrically connect the TEG sections to each other. FIGS. 6a-7b illustrate other connection mechanisms. FIGS. 6a-6c illustrate an embodiment in which the stack drive TEG section 13a is connected to the winding drive section 13b by a flexible connection mechanism 15. The flexible connection mechanism can take any convenient form and may, for example, comprise flexible conductors soldered to terminals on the TEG sections 13a and 13b.

[0047] Figures 7a and 7b show a variant in which the TEG parts can be connected to each other via a flexibly attached plug 17a and a flexibly attached socket 17b which is cooperable with the plug 17a.

[0048] 8a-8c show rotor drive TEG portion 19 with a central portion 19a that can be mounted over the cylindrical interior of rotor 21. End portions 19b are shaped to wrap around the ends of rotor 21. In this embodiment, coupling bodies 19, 21 are dimensioned to define an air gap 25 around shaft 21.

[0049] 9 shows a quadrant of an electric motor, including rotor / TEG combinations 19, 20 and stator / TEG combinations 1, 3 surrounding shaft 23. This assembly of components is then housed in case 27, defining air gap 29. In this embodiment, cooling fan 31 is fixed for rotation with shaft 23 and moves cooling air through air gaps 25, 29 over TEGs 19, 3. The case is preferably an aluminum case.

[0050] In this way, the TEG is positioned to receive heat directly from the stator and rotor, both of which may be at temperatures above 100°C, e.g., above 150°C, and to release the heat to cooling air, which may be ambient air or conditioned air.

[0051] Having the TEG directly exposed to the hot parts of the motor improves TEG performance and provides a more controlled environment, particularly as cooling airflow can be more carefully controlled and the case 27 helps protect the TEG from damage.

[0052] A preferred variant of the case prevents objects with a diameter of more than 1 mm from reaching the conductors. It is also preferred that the case protects the electrical components from splashes of water; for example, the case preferably has an IP protection rating of at least IP44. Most preferably, the case is at least dustproof (IP5X), more preferably dustproof (IP6X). Higher levels of waterproofing are preferred, for example, protection against water jets (IPX5), and even more preferably protection against strong water jets (IPX6). In ventilation systems, these high protection ratings can be achieved with the aid of filters and / or water traps.

[0053] Figure 9 shows a motor with an air gap 29 with an annular cross section. A fan 31 establishes a pressure gradient to force air to flow axially through the air gap 29. In another variation, a second fan may be provided at the other end of the shaft 23 to draw air through the air gap. Variations without a fan are also possible, for example the motor may be connectable to a cooling system that provides a flow of cooling air to the motor.

[0054] 10a and 10b show another variant in which cooling holes penetrate the case 27 and a pressure gradient is established causing the cooling air CA to pass radially inward through these holes and impinge on the TEG portion 3 attached to the stator 1.

[0055] 11 shows a schematic diagram of a hybrid vehicle 33 comprising a combustion engine 35, drive wheels 37, a mechanical transmission 39 that transmits axle power from the combustion engine 35 to the drive wheels 37, an electric machine unit (EMU) 41 in line with the transmission 39, and a battery 43 electrically connected to the EMU 41. The EMU is equipped with a TEG for energy recovery.

[0056] The transmission 39 can transmit shaft power in either direction, between the EMU 41 and the motor 35 on the one hand, and between the EMU 41 and the drive wheels 37 on the other hand.

[0057] The EMU has both a motor mode and a generator mode. In some operating modes (e.g., when the vehicle is traveling at low speeds), the EMU 41 may be the sole source of shaft power to the drive wheels. In other modes, the engine 35 and EMU 41 may simultaneously provide shaft power. Additionally, the EMU 41 may be operated to obtain power for regenerative braking from the drive wheels 37 and / or to obtain power from the combustion engine 35.

[0058] Some variations of the electromechanical devices disclosed herein may be usefully applied in other situations, such as in non-road vehicles or non-vehicle related situations. For example, some variations of generators may be usefully employed to improve the efficiency of wind turbines. Other variations of generators may be driven by other shaft power sources, such as by an internal combustion engine. Potentially, such variations of generators may be used in vehicles apart from regenerative braking. For example, such a combustion engine / generator combination may be added to extend the range of an electric vehicle.

[0059] 12a shows one end of an alternative TEG strip 100 with a biaxial flexible section 101 mechanically and electrically connected to a uniaxial flexible section 103. The biaxial flexible section 101 fits over the head windings. Each section 101, 103 has different P-type and N-type semiconductors that operate independently to generate power. Optionally, strip 100 has two ends with a respective biaxial flexible section at each end to encase each of the head windings.

[0060] FIG. 12b shows an alternative TEG strip 100a, which comprises a biaxially flexible section 101a and a uniaxially flexible section 103a that are mechanically connected to one another but electrically isolated from one another.

[0061] Thermally conductive adhesives are one option for attaching the TEG, but the inventors recognize that such adhesives can limit serviceability. For example, gluing the TEG to the head windings makes it difficult to replace the TEG without rewinding the motor.

[0062] FIG. 12c shows preferred restraints 105a, 105b, 105c that hold multiple TEG segments 101a in place, arranged around the motor.

[0063] The TEG 100a includes an inner hook 107 disposed radially inward of the head windings. The hook 107 is axially open, is located within the TEG portion 101a, and includes a retainer 105a.

[0064] Retainer 105a is a resilient piece similar to an internal circlip. It wraps approximately 360 degrees around the motor and resiliently deforms inward to allow the head windings to pass axially. When released, resilient element 105a flexes outward, urging winding drive portion 101a against the head windings. Restraint 105b is another resilient element similar to an external circlip. When released after being spread out and deployed, it flexes inward, urging winding drive portion 101a against the head windings. Restraint 105c is a relatively large restraint similar to restraint 105b, which urges the lamination drive portion of TEG 103a radially inward against the cylindrical outer surface of the lamination stack.

[0065] Figure 13a shows an alternative winding drive TEG strip 109. Instead of a set of winding drive strips arranged around the motor as in Figure 12c, winding drive strip 109 has a roughly semi-toroidal shape that fits over head windings 111. That is, strip 109 is a ring with an open radial profile to receive the head windings. The radial profile of strip 109 is roughly a U-shaped channel profile.

[0066] The winding drive pieces 109 (and corresponding set of pieces 100a) completely cover the head windings 111 to better trap heat from the head windings. The TEG pieces 109 have radially inner hooks 107a that bend radially inward and open axially away from the stator laminations, making them accessible from outside the head winding drive pieces. This orientation allows the retainer 105 to be placed after the winding drive pieces 109 are placed over the head windings 111.

[0067] FIG. 13c shows an alternative semi-toroidal wire drive TEG segment 109a with hooks 107b that open to the inside of the radial profile of the wire drive TEG portion, similar to hooks 107 of FIG. 12c.

[0068] 14a and 14b show another TEG drive winding section 109b, which comprises an arrangement of biaxially flexible TEG segments around a central opening 113. The TEG segment 109b comprises a resilient element 115 attached to the inner periphery of the TEG segment. The resilient element 115 incorporates complementary releasable fastening arrangements (in this case, hooks and loops) that cooperate to hold the element 115 in a closed, contracted configuration as shown in FIG. 14b. The segment 109b can then be manipulated to position the resilient element 115 adjacent the lamination stack, inside the head winding. Once in this position, the hooks and loops (or other releasable fastening mechanism) can be released, allowing the element 115 to flex outward, similar to the retainer 105a.

[0069] These circlip-like elastic elements provide a convenient means of holding the TEG segments in place, promoting efficient heat transfer while maintaining maintainability. The circlip-like restraint is just one example of this concept. In another implementation, the restraint may be in the form of a closed loop that elastically expands (or contracts) and, when released, biases the TEG segments inward (or outward) toward the heat source. By way of example, restraint 105b may be replaced by a long tension spring with both ends connected to each other.

[0070] In other implementations, elastic elements 105a, 105b, and 105c may be replaced with other means for radial biasing, for example, restraint 105b may be replaced with a restraint in the form of a band similar to a hose clamp that can be screwed to hold the winding drive TEG section to the head windings.

[0071] Other releasable means for attaching the TEG portion are also possible and may employ, for example, springs, hooks, straps, clamps, rings, belts, and / or tabs. Optionally, the TEG portion may include openings, such as reinforced openings, to secure the TEG portion in place. Figure 15 shows a TEG portion 117 with openings 119 that fit over hooks 121 of the rotor to secure portion 117 in place.

[0072] 16a and 16b show a motor / generator unit 123 incorporating a cooling cap 125 and cooling case 127 that surround a stator / TEG combination 129. FIG.

[0073] The case 127 defines a narrow air gap through which a turbulent flow of air moves to cool the TEG. Optionally, a coolant other than air may be employed, such as water.

[0074] Unit 123 further includes a cooling mechanism for cooling rotor / TEG combination 131 (Figure 16b).

[0075] Each cooling cap 125 forms a ring whose radial profile is a channel profile and which receives an end portion 127a of the case 127 having a corresponding ring-like configuration. The radial profile of the end portion 127a is also a channel profile and fits over the head windings of the combination 129.

[0076] A set of apertures 133 extend through end portion 127a. When assembled, cap 125 and case 127 define an annular plenum 135. Inlet 13 supplies cooling air to plenum 135, which apertures 133 distribute to head windings 129a of combined body 129. Combined bodies 127a, 125 thus form a flow distributor that distributes cooling fluid in parallel to radially separated portions of the head windings, providing more uniform and efficient cooling of the head windings. Other flow distribution plenums, and more generally, other flow distribution mechanisms, are possible.

[0077] Each end of the unit 123 has a similar flow distribution mechanism, which allows each of the two ends, and more specifically each of the two head windings, to be cooled in parallel. In this way, each head winding receives "fresh" cooling air that has not already been warmed by heat from the other head winding. This results in more uniform and efficient cooling. Air is exhausted from the case 127 through one or more outlets 139 that open radially outward from the lamination stack of the combination 129.

[0078] In this embodiment, air is also discharged radially inward through annular outlets 141 near the ends of the lamination stack.

[0079] This conceptual example includes a hollow shaft 143 running through the center of the rotor. The exterior of the shaft is spaced inwardly from the TEG portion included within the rotor, defining an air gap. An inlet feature 145, in this case including a pair of opposing radial openings, connects the interior of the shaft 143 to the air gap around the shaft 143. Air is drawn from the shaft, in this case from each end of the shaft 143, such that air expelled inwardly through outlets 141 flows semi-inwardly over both ends of the rotor before flowing axially inwardly through the air gap toward the inlet feature 145 to cool the internal rotor-driven TEG.

[0080] In a preferred implementation, the housings 125, 127 extend radially inward to sealingly engage the shaft 143, defining the axially outer boundary of a flow path through which coolant discharged from the head windings flows radially inward toward the air gap around the shaft 143. This allows the housings 125, 127 to be pressurized. Testing results suggest that pressurization provides improved cooling and is preferable regardless of the cooling housing configuration.

[0081] In the illustrated cooling system, the heated coolant is split between an outlet 139 at the periphery of the unit 123 and an outlet at the end of the shaft 143. In a preferred implementation, a portion of the heated coolant (e.g., the coolant carried by the shaft 143) is channeled to cool other components (e.g., other components of the vehicle's drivetrain).

[0082] In this preferred embodiment, a large portion (e.g., at least 90%) of the exterior of the stator-rotor combination is covered by the TEG portion. Similarly, in the illustrated implementation, a large portion (e.g., at least 90%) of the exterior of the stator / rotor / TEG combination is immersed in cooling air. Immersing the exterior in flowing cooling air (as opposed to exposing the TEG portion to stagnant, hot air) improves efficiency.

[0083] In some implementations, the coolant is ambient air. In other situations, it may be advantageous to cool the air. In this case, a heat pump is used, most preferably an air conditioning heat pump already installed to cool a space for a user, such as cooling the passenger compartment of a vehicle. By way of example, inlet 137 may be supplied with fluid drawn from the vehicle's air conditioning.

[0084] Other cooling fluids are possible. Figure 17 shows a schematic half-section of a water-jacketed stator / rotor combination 147, which includes a water jacket 149 equipped with a pair of inlets 149a and a set of outlets 149b arranged on the exterior of the unit 147. In the case of a hydroelectric power plant, e.g., a pumped storage power plant, the water only passes through the jacket 149 once. In other cases, a closed-loop system may be convenient, e.g., the water (or other coolant) is discharged through outlet 149b and cooled by a heat pump before returning to inlet 149a.

[0085] The meaning of the term "comprise" and its grammatical variations is determined by the context in which it appears. Therefore, this term should not be interpreted as exhaustive unless the context dictates otherwise. Similarly, the article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not negate the presence of a plurality of such elements unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0086] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but rather is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. 1. An electromechanical device comprising: a stator; A rotor, one or more TEG portions positioned to receive heat from at least one of the stator and the rotor; Equipped with The stator includes: a laminate stack; a plurality of head windings, each of which forms a ring around an end of the lamination stack; Equipped with the one or more TEG sections comprise one or more winding drive TEG sections; the one or more winding-driven TEG sections are biaxially flexible; Electromechanical devices.

2. The electromechanical device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more winding drive TEG portions cover at least a majority of the head windings.

3. 1. An electromechanical device comprising: a stator; A rotor, one or more TEG portions positioned to receive heat from at least one of the stator and the rotor; Equipped with The stator a laminate stack; a plurality of head windings, each forming a respective ring around a respective end of the lamination stack; Equipped with the one or more TEG sections comprise one or more winding drive TEG sections covering at least a majority of the head windings; Electromechanical devices.

4. The electromechanical device of claim 3 , wherein the one or more winding drive TEG portions are flexible.

5. The electromechanical device of claim 2 , wherein the one or more TEG portions cover at least 90% of the head windings.

6. 6. The electromechanical device of claim 1, wherein at least one respective heading winding of the head windings has a respective inner retainer that runs around at least a majority of the inside of the respective head winding to urge the TEG portion outward relative to the respective heading winding.

7. The electromechanical device of claim 6 , wherein the respective inner retainers elastically deform inward to bias the TEG portion outward against the respective heading winding.

8. 8. The electromechanical device of claim 1, wherein at least one respective heading winding of the head windings has a respective outer retainer running around at least a majority of the outside of the respective head winding to bias the TEG portion inward relative to the respective heading winding.

9. The electromechanical device of claim 8 , wherein the respective outer retainers elastically deform outward to bias the TEG portion inward against the respective heading winding.

10. The electromechanical device of claim 1 , comprising a flow path for carrying a fluid for cooling the one or more winding-driven TEG portions.

11. The electromechanical device of claim 10 , wherein the flow paths cool the head windings in parallel with one another.

12. 1. An electromechanical device comprising: a stator; A rotor, one or more TEG portions positioned to receive heat from at least one of the stator and the rotor; a plurality of channels for carrying fluid for cooling the one or more TEG portions; Equipped with The stator includes: a laminate stack; a plurality of head windings, each of which forms a ring around an end of the lamination stack; Equipped with the one or more TEG sections comprise one or more winding drive TEG sections; the flow paths cool the head windings in parallel with one another; Electromechanical devices.

13. 13. An electromechanical device according to claim 11 or claim 12, comprising a cooling system that supplies cooled fluid to the flow passages.

14. 1. An electromechanical device comprising: a stator comprising a lamination stack; A rotor, one or more TEG portions positioned to receive heat from at least one of the stator and the rotor; a plurality of channels for carrying fluid for cooling the one or more TEG portions; a cooling system that supplies a cooled fluid to the flow path; 1. An electromechanical device comprising:

15. The electromechanical device of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the cooling system comprises a heat pump.

16. The electromechanical device of claim 15 , wherein the cooling system comprises an air conditioner for cooling the interior of a vehicle.

17. The electromechanical device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more TEG portions comprise one or more stack drive TEG portions that cover at least a majority of the exterior of the stack.

18. 1. An electromechanical device comprising: a stator; A rotor, one or more TEG portions positioned to receive heat from at least one of the stator and the rotor; Equipped with the stator comprises a lamination stack; The electromechanical device, wherein the one or more TEG portions comprise one or more stack drive TEG portions covering at least a majority of the exterior of the lamination stack.

19. The electromechanical device of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the one or more stack drive TEG portions cover at least 90% of the exterior of the stack.

20. The electromechanical device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more TEG portions comprise a rotor drive TEG portion disposed on a portion of the rotor.

21. The electromechanical device of claim 10 , wherein the rotor drive TEG portion is internal to the rotor.

22. 22. The electromechanical device of claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the rotor drive TEG portion is flexible.

23. The electromechanical device of claim 1 , comprising a case containing the stator, the rotor, and the one or more TEG portions.

24. 24. An electromechanical device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, which is an electric motor for moving a vehicle.

25. 25. An electromechanical device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, which is a generator for regenerative braking of a vehicle.

26. A vehicle comprising the electromechanical device according to claim 24 or 25.

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