Axial field rotating energy device having a PCB stator and a variable frequency drive

Abstract

The axial field rotational energy device or system has an axis, a PCB stator, and rotors, each having a permanent magnet. The rotors rotate about the PCB stator. A variable frequency drive (VFD) with VFD components is coupled to the axial field rotational energy device. An enclosure houses the axial field rotational energy device and the VFD such that both are mounted within the enclosure. Additionally, a cooling system is mounted within the enclosure to cool the axial field rotational energy device and the VFD.

Description

Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 999,837, filed on August 21, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 960,974, filed on January 14, 2020, and claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 145,675, filed on January 11, 2021, and incorporates by reference the descriptions of each specification in their entirety.

Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to systems, methods, and devices for use with electric motors, and more specifically to electric commutated motors (ECMs) having axial field rotating energy devices together with printed circuit board (PCB) stators and variable frequency drives.

Background Art

[0003] Many permanent magnet (PM) motors are not designed to operate in a configuration directly connected to a 60 Hz or 50 Hz alternating current (AC) power supply. In some cases of PM motors, a VFD (variable frequency drive) can be used to perform this operation. Generally, a PM motor is connected to a separate VFD. In some cases, the motor and the VFD are integrated into a common housing forming a so-called ECM, or configured as a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor. In the case of conventional ECM motors and BLDC motors, they adopt a traditional radial flux configuration in which electrical steel stators are laminated and copper coils are pre-formed or randomly wound.

[0004] Axial flux motors that use a printed circuit board (PCB) stator structure, such as those disclosed in USP 10,141,803, 10,135,310, 10,340,760, 10,141,804, and 10,186,922 (all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety), also operate using a VFD. Due to the substantially different aspect ratios compared to conventional radial flux PM motors (because the length is significantly shorter relative to the diameter), in the case of axial flux PM motors, the VFD is implemented in a way that is not considered in conventional radial flux PM motors. Therefore, improvements in axial flux ECM designs continue to be of interest.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Embodiments of an axial field rotary energy device or system are disclosed below. For example, this system can be composed of an axis (shaft), a PCB stator, and a rotor each having a permanent magnet (PM). The rotor can rotate about an axis relative to the PCB stator. Both have a variable frequency drive (VFD) element coupled to the axial field rotary energy device. The enclosure can house the axial field rotary energy device and the VFD such that both the axial field rotary device and the VFD are mounted within the enclosure. Further, a cooling system can be implemented within the enclosure and configured to cool the axial field rotary energy device and the VFD.

[0006] For the purposes and effects including the above purposes of these embodiments, those skilled in the art should be able to understand them clearly by reading the following detailed description with reference to the appended claims and the drawings.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0007]

PATENT DOCUMENT 1

[0008] To understand each feature and each effect of the above embodiments in more detail, it is desired that a more specific description be read with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings show some embodiments and do not limit the scope of the invention. This is because other embodiments having the same effects are also possible.

[0009] Note that for some of the details and / or features shown in the drawings, they are not to scale in order to clarify the illustration.

[0010]

Figure 1

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[0011] Like reference numerals in different drawings indicate similar or identical elements and the like.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Embodiments of a system are shown that have an axial field rotating energy device with a permanent magnet (PM), at least one printed circuit board (PCB) stator, a variable frequency drive (VFD), an input / output (I / O) interface, and other system elements physically implemented, for example, within a common housing. Hereinafter, these systems may also be referred to as VFD implementation systems, or alternatively as motor VFD assemblies, etc. Note that the axial field rotating energy device in these systems can operate as a motor or as a generator.

[0013] FIG. 1 is an overall schematic diagram showing one embodiment of a VFD implementation system 100. As shown, the PM axial field rotating energy device 110 can be coupled to the inverter module 121 of the VFD 120 via a line inductor 130. In some embodiments, this line inductor 130 can suppress the ripple in the current supplied to the device 110. In another embodiment, the line inductor 130 may not be used, and the axial field rotating energy device 110 can be directly connected to the inverter module 121 of the VFD 120. In the example shown in FIG. 1, a three-phase motor is connected to a three-phase inverter, but other phase configurations are possible, such as, by way of example, one-phase, two-phase, four-phase, five-phase, or six-phase devices.

[0014] In FIG. 1, the VFD 120 can be composed of a rectifier module 122, a DC bus module 123, an inverter module 121, and a control module 124. As an example of the rectifier module 122, a full-wave rectifier having passive devices such as diodes or active switching devices (such as IGBTs, MOSFETs, etc.) and converting incoming alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) can be mentioned. The DC bus 123 can be composed of a group of capacitors sized to supply a stable voltage to the inverter module 121. As an example of the inverter module, a 6-pulse three-phase bridge can be mentioned. In this bridge, active switching devices such as IGBTs and MOSFETs controlled by a pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme that converts DC to AC at the frequency required by the axial field rotating energy device 110 can be used. Note that other inverter technologies can also be used, and a three-phase neutral point clamped (NPC) inverter can be exemplified. The input to the VFD 120 is generally 60 Hz or 50 Hz, but the output frequency of the VFD 120 may range from a frequency close to zero to several hundred Hz or several thousand Hz, for example. In some embodiments, the power supplied to the VFD implementation system 100 may be DC, in which case the rectifier module 122 is not used. As an example, in an embodiment where the PWM frequency is a high frequency (such as 100 kHz or higher), the inverter module 122 can be composed of wide bandgap (WBG) devices such as silicon carbide and gallium nitride MOSFETs.

[0015] Regarding the VFD implementation system 100 shown in FIG. 1, a control module 124 can be incorporated that sends signals to each module of the VFD 120 and receives signals from these modules. These signals can be received from an external signal source such as a digital signal, or can be received from an external signal source such as an analog voltage signal that can turn the VFD on and off or that the system can use to provide a reference speed. These signals can control the output frequency of the VFD 120 and thus the speed of the axial field rotating energy device 110. Also, since the current and voltage supplied to the axial field rotating energy device 110 by the VFD 120 can be controlled, a desired torque characteristic can be realized. For example, operation can be performed under a predetermined torque condition over a certain speed range. FIG. 1 shows input / output connection pairs 125 and 126 between the control module 124 and the inverter 121 and the rectifier 122, respectively. Note that there may be one or more individual input / output connections, or in some embodiments, there may be no input / output connections.

[0016] In some embodiments, the control module 124 can also be connected to sensors within the axial field rotating energy device 100 via a separate set of input lines 127. Examples of these sensors include, but are not limited to, a resistance temperature detector (RTD), a thermocouple, a vibration sensor, an encoder, and / or other sensors for the VFD implementation system 100. In some embodiments, these sensors can be configured to send one or more measurement values to the control module 124. The control module 124 can operate in response to receiving and processing one or more measurement values. For example, during operation of the axial field rotating energy device 110, a measurement value regarding its temperature can be transmitted. If the temperature measurement value exceeds a threshold temperature level, the control module 124 can send a signal to reduce the power of the axial field rotating energy device 110, thereby reducing the temperature. In some cases, depending on the measurement value from the sensor, the control module 124 can stop the operation of the axial field rotating energy device 110.

[0017] Regarding the control module 124, it can be equipped with a memory device, a processing device, and a communication interface device, or a combination of these can also be used. For example, the memory device can store instructions that, when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform its operations and functions, etc. For example, a control scheme for outputting a signal for controlling the output frequency of the VFD 120 can be executed.

[0018] Regarding the processing device, it can be equipped with one or more general-purpose processing devices such as a microprocessor or a central processing unit. Specifically, the processing device can be a microprocessor that performs complex instruction set computing (CISC), a microprocessor that performs reduced instruction set computing (RISC), a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, or a processor that executes other instruction sets or a processor that executes multiple instruction sets. Also, as this processing device, one or more special-purpose processing devices, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system-on-chip, a semiconductor chip (FPGA) whose internal logic circuit structure can be repeatedly reconfigured many times, a digital signal processor (DSP), a network processor, etc. can also be used. The processing device may be configured to execute instructions for performing any of the operations and steps described in this specification.

[0019] As the memory device, main memory (for example, read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD), dynamic random access memory (DRAM) such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), static memory (flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD), static random access memory (SRAM), etc.) can be used.

[0020] Using a communication interface device enables data communication between VFD modules that command VFD voltage frequency output and transmit and receive analog and digital signals for communicating the states of the VFD and the axial field rotating energy device.

[0021] For some aspects of the control module 124, it can be connected to an external system via an input / output (I / O) module 140 that connects between the VFD implementation system 100 and a supervisory control / data acquisition system (SCADA) or other control systems. This I / O module 140 has a configurable control interface 141, which facilitates communication with an external control system via a set of input / output connections 142. Examples of implementations of this communication interface, without intending to limit, include Ethernet and industrial Ethernet (such as EtherCAT, EtherNet / IP, PROFINET, POWERLINK, SERCOSIII, CC-Link IE, Modbus TCP, etc.), RS485, wireless including WIFI, mobile phones, and Bluetooth.

[0022] The configurable control interface 141 can also include other digital and analog interfaces, through which the VFD implementation system 100 can be connected to a control system on the end-user side, such as a 0 - 10V or 4 - 20mA analog port. The control section of the I / O module 141 can make additional connections, for example, to a "daughter board" on top of a standard I / O board.

[0023] Regarding the embodiment of the I / O module 140, a power connection part 143 can be provided to connect the VFD implementation system 100 to an external power supply unit. As described in this specification, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the VFD implementation system 100 connected to a three-phase AC source. In the case of this system, it can also be connected to a single-phase source, a multi-phase source, or a DC source. The I / O module 140 can also include other elements such as a current sensor, a voltage sensor, and a harmonic filter for the VFD implementation system.

[0024] In some embodiments of the VFD implementation system 100, the power connection part 143 can be directly connected to the rectifier module 122 of the VFD 120, which makes it possible to completely bypass the I / O module 140.

[0025] FIG. 1 shows the VFD implementation system 100 (including a motor), but this system can also be used as a generator-VFD system. In this case, it operates as an axial flux PCB stator PM machine 110, and the VFD 120 is implemented on an external grid. In this case, the rectifier module 122 of the VFD includes active switch devices such as IGBTs and MOSFETs, the control module 124 sends out signals, and in some versions, the active rectifier can be controlled by the communication port 126.

[0026] Figures 2A and 2B show an embodiment of a system that includes the VFD implementation system 100 shown in FIG. 1 and further includes a housing 200. This housing 200 can accommodate the VFD implementation system 100 and can be relatively thin axially (e.g., along the shaft 210). The housing 200 can have a substantially rectangular or square shape when viewed axially. The housing 200 can be wider radially than its axial length. In one example, the housing 200 can be approximately 23 inches square (radially) and 3 inches (axially) in the length direction. Note that depending on the power rating and torque rating of the device, other sizes and other aspect ratios are also applicable. For example, the ratio of the radial width to the axial length can range from about 2:1 to about 10:1, and in some cases can range from about 15:1 to about 20:1.

[0027] FIG. 2A shows the front side portion 230 of the housing 200 that can be at the non-driven (side) end of the axial field rotating energy device. As shown, the front bearing cover has been removed to show the shaft 210. In some embodiments, this shaft 210 has an extension portion to which a second coupling portion or equipment such as a cooling fan, a speed sensor, an encoder, etc. can be attached. Also shown in FIG. 2A is an example of the position of the I / O pass-throughs 220 corresponding to the I / O connection portions 142 and 143 shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, these I / O pass-throughs 220 can be provided in one or more of the lateral side portions 240 of the housing 200 or on the opposite side of the axial field rotating energy device, or can be provided in one or more external portions of the housing 200 (e.g., one port on the front side portion 230 or other ports on one or more of the lateral side portions 240). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the housing 200 has cooling fin blocks 205 at its four corners (corner portions), but in other embodiments, the cooling fin blocks 205 can be provided at only one corner, two corners, or three corners depending on the cooling requirements of the VFD implementation system 100.

[0028] Figure 2B shows the rear side of the VFD implementation system 100, which is the drive (side) end of the axial field rotating energy device. As shown, a coupling flange 250 is taken as an example. The coupling part of the axial field rotating energy device has different dimensions and characteristics depending on the application and type of the device to be driven.

[0029] Figure 3 shows that the rectifier module, DC bus, inverter module, control module, I / O module, and line inductor, all of which are within the common housing 200, form separate assemblies around and substantially within the same plane of the axial field rotating energy device 110. In this embodiment, the inverter module and the control module are within the printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 128, the rectifier module and the DC bus module are within another PCBA 129. On the other hand, the I / O module 140 is within its own PCBA. The line inductor 130 forms a separate assembly and is interconnected within this assembly by the PCB 135. Other module configurations are also possible. For example, each module of the VFD can be provided on a separate PCBA, or all modules can be provided on one PCBA, and other combined configurations are also possible.

[0030] As an example in FIG. 4, an embodiment of a VFD implementation system 100 is shown in which a rectifier module, a DC bus module, an inverter module, and a control module of a VFD are all combined within a single PCBA 131. The I / O module 140 is present on a separate PCBA. The line inductor 130 forms a separate assembly within the housing 200 and can be mounted in substantially the same plane as the axial flux PCB stator PM motor 110. FIGS. 3 and 4 show an embodiment with six line inductors 130, but other embodiments with more than six line inductors are possible, embodiments with less than six line inductors may be provided, or embodiments without line inductors are also possible. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the line inductors 130 are interconnected via a PCB to form an assembly with the PCBA 135. Note that in other embodiments, the line inductors 130 may be interconnected using cables and / or wires without using the PCB 135.

[0031] In the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4, a part of the I / O pass-through portion 220 is substantially aligned with the I / O module 140. Another pass-through portion is substantially aligned with the rectifier and DC bus module 129. In other embodiments, the pass-through block is in other positions.

[0032] FIGS. 3 and 4 show examples of embodiments in which the VFD module is provided around and in substantially the same plane as the axial field rotating energy device. In other embodiments, the VFD module is mounted in an assembly that is substantially in a different plane from the plane in which the axial field rotating energy device is present.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the VFD implementation system 100. In this example, the VFD 120 is attached to a housing 300 that is substantially axially aligned with the axial field rotating energy device 110. The VFD 120 is axially offset or is present in an axial plane different from that of the device 110.

[0034] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, one or more brackets 310 are used to attach the VFD housing 300 to the housing 200 of the axial field rotating energy device. These brackets 310 ensure a space for accommodating the cooling fan 320 between the housing 200 of the axial field rotating energy device and the VFD housing 300. In some embodiments, conduits 330 are used to provide a path for power cables, harnesses, etc., to connect the axial field rotating energy device to the VFD. Although FIG. 5 shows one conduit 330, in other embodiments, two or more conduits can be used. As an example, the first conduit can be used for power cables and the second conduit for sensor cables. For the housing 300, access ports such as a detachable lid 302 that allows access to the VFD can be provided.

[0035] The embodiment of the VFD mounting system of FIG. 5 can be provided, for example, with an ingress protection rating of IP55 in accordance with the international standard EN60529 for both the VFD housing 300 and the axial field rotating energy device housing 200. In other embodiments, different ingress protection ratings such as IP20 or IP22, or other protection ratings in accordance with EN60529 or equivalent national standards can be applied. Another VFD and PM axial field rotating energy device housing configuration shown in FIG. 5 can also apply different ingress protection ratings for the axial field rotating energy device housing and the VFD housing. By way of example, IP55 can be applied to the VFD housing and IP44 to the axial field rotating energy device housing, and any other combination can be applied.

[0036] Figure 5 shows a VFD housed in another housing 300. For the VFD module (rectifier, DC bus, inverter, control module, I / O module, line inductor, etc.), various configurations can be adopted. Figure 6A shows one embodiment of a VFD in which the rectifier, DC bus, inverter, control, and I / O modules are grouped together as a single PCBA 132 inside the VFD housing 300, and the line inductor forms another assembly 135.

[0037] Figure 6B shows another embodiment in which the rectifier, DC bus, inverter, and control modules are grouped together as a single PCBA 131. For the I / O module 140, its PCBA is housed in another partition 301 of the housing 300. In this embodiment, since the partition 301 has its own access port (such as the cover 302 shown in Figure 5) separate from the access port of the VFD housing, the I / O module 140 can be accessed without exposing the other modules of the VFD.

[0038] Figure 6C shows another embodiment in which the inverter module and the control module are grouped together as a single PCBA 128, the rectifier module and the DC bus module are grouped together as another PCBA 129, and the PCBA of the I / O module 140 itself is housed in another partition 301 of the housing 300. In this embodiment, since the partition 301 has its own access port (such as the cover 302 shown in Figure 5) separate from the VFD, the I / O module 140 can be accessed without exposing the other modules of the VFD.

[0039] Figure 6D shows yet another embodiment of the VFD mounting system shown in Figure 6C, where the housing 300 has a substantially flat surface 300a adjacent to the partition 301, which serves as the mounting surface for the pass-through portion 220. In this embodiment, the pass-through portion 220a can be used to route a power cable through the housing 300 to be connected to the rectifier PCBA 129, and the pass-through portion 220b can be used to route a signal I / O cable through the partition 301 to be connected to the I / O module 140. The flat surface 300a also serves as the mounting surface for the antenna 144 connected to the I / O module 140. This antenna 144 can be connected to a wireless network and provide wireless I / O to the VFD mounting system.

[0040] Although FIGS. 6A-6D show several embodiments of the VFD mounted to a different housing 300, other configurations are possible. For example, a line inductor may not be provided in the VFD, or each module of the VFD may have its own PCBA.

[0041] When implementing the connection between the PCB stator and the PCB that interconnects the line inductor, it can be done by means of a cable harness with electrical connectors provided at both ends. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the line inductor 130 forms an assembly with the PCB 135, and this PCB 135 is connected to the PCB stator terminal 160 via the cable harness 170 with electrical connectors 180 provided at both ends. Note that in some applications, it may be desirable to permanently connect the cable harness to either the stator PCB or the PCBA that interconnects the line inductors. FIG. 7B shows the latter embodiment. As shown in the figure, the cable harness 170 is coupled to the stator terminal 160 by the electrical connector 180 and connected to the inductor PCB 135 by the soldering connection portion 190. The connection portion may be a male / female connector, and this connector can be disconnected and reconnected without special tools. Permanent connection portions that do not easily return to their original state, such as soldering connection portions or crimping connection portions, can also be used. Similarly, the connection between the output portion of the inverter module of the VFD and the PCBA that interconnects the line inductor can be implemented by means of a cable harness with connectors attached at both ends or attached to only one end (the other end is permanently connected to the inductor PCBA or the inverter module PCBA).

[0042] In these embodiments where various modules of the VFD are mounted in separate PCBA, the point to note is that the various modules are connected by the cable harness with connectors at both ends of the cable harness. Alternatively, the cable harness can be permanently connected to the first PCBA at one end and connected to the second PCBA with the connector at the other end. In embodiments where no line inductor is used, the output of the inverter can be connected to the PCB stator terminal by the cable harness. These harnesses may have connectors at both ends or only at one end. Furthermore, in some embodiments, flexible PCBs with each end soldered and / or joined can be used to connect between various VFD modules, line inductors, and the stator PCB.

[0043] Figure 8A is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the VFD implementation system 100 shown in FIG. 3. For the VFD 120, it can be provided around and substantially on the same plane as the axial field rotating energy device 110 within the common housing 200. In this embodiment, a first air circulator such as a fan or blade 315 is attached between two disks 340 that constitute the rotor of the axial field rotating energy device. When the rotor rotates, a first air flow 350 is generated by the first blade 315, and this air flow flows into the axial field rotating energy device through an air intake or ventilation opening 355 arranged circumferentially with respect to the shaft 210 at one or both ends of the housing 200. When the inflowing air flow circulates between the two disks 340, it also circulates radially on the surface of the PCB stator 115. This air flow flows into the volume portion 305 that houses the VFD 120, and finally, as shown in FIG. 8A, it flows out radially from the opening 365 around the housing 200.

[0044] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned first air flow 350 flows out radially from the housing 200 at one or more of the four corners through the openings of the cooling fin block 205 (FIG. 3). In other embodiments, the first air flow 350 flows out radially through other openings provided around the housing 200 and axially through the openings at one or both end faces of the housing 200. Regarding the outflow modes, these may be used in combination.

[0045] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8A, a second continuous blade 345 can be provided on the rear side of the rotor disk 340. When the rotor rotates, a second air flow 360 is generated by the second blade 345 and flows into the axial field rotating energy device through the ventilation openings 355 at one or both ends of the housing 200. The ventilation openings 355 may be arranged circumferentially with respect to the shaft 210. This air flow circulates between the disk 340 and the adjacent wall of the housing 200, flows into the volume portion 305 housing the VFD 120, and flows out of the housing 200 radially through the surrounding openings 365 as shown in FIG. 8A.

[0046] In some embodiments, the second air flow 360 flows out of the housing 200 radially at one or more of the four corners through the openings of the cooling fin block 205 (FIG. 3). In other embodiments, the second air flow 360 flows out radially through other openings provided around the housing 200 and axially through the openings at one or both end faces of the housing 200. Regarding the outflow modes, these may be used in combination.

[0047] FIG. 8B shows another embodiment in which the second air flow 360 generated by the blade 345 flows into the housing 200 through a second set of ventilation openings 356 arranged circumferentially with respect to the shaft 210 at a radius larger than the radius at which the ventilation openings 355 are located. In some embodiments, for the housing 200, an air baffle 357 is provided between the openings 355 and 356 to separate the first air flow 350 flowing into the housing 200 through the ventilation openings 355 from the second air flow 360 flowing into the housing 200 through the ventilation openings 356.

[0048] FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of FIG. 5 in which the VFD 120 can be provided in an axial plane different from that of the axial field rotating energy device. The axial field rotating energy device has an ingress protection rating of IP55. In this embodiment, the first blade 315 of the axial field rotating energy device can be provided between two rotor disks 340 that form a rotor. When the rotor rotates, the first blade 315 generates a first air flow 350, which flows radially outward into the air gap between the rotor disk 340 and the surface of the stationary PCB stator 115. The air flow returns radially toward the center of the rotor in the space between the rotor disk 340 and the inner wall of the housing 200, and returns to the first blade 315 through the circumferentially arranged openings 370.

[0049] In the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, for the second blade 320 that can be provided with a cooling fan, it is coupled to the shaft 210 in the axial space between the housing 200 of the axial field rotating energy device and the housing 300 of the VFD. The second blade 320 can form a second air flow 360, which flows radially into the axial space between the housing 200 of the axial field rotating energy device and the air baffle 380, flows around the fins 390a attached to the housing 200 of the axial field rotating energy device, circulates radially outward between the outer wall of the housing 300 of the VFD and the air baffle 380, and flows around the fins 390b extending from the housing 300 of the VFD, thereby assisting in cooling the components of the VFD 120.

[0050] Depending on the cooling requirements of the VFD implementation system 100, other air circulation patterns are possible for the embodiment shown in FIG. 5. For this purpose, for example, the cooling fan 320 and the air baffle 380 can be rearranged. As another example, FIG. 10A shows another air circulation pattern in which a cooling fan 320 is provided very close to the housing 200 of the axial field rotating energy device. In this embodiment, an air flow is generated by the cooling fan 320 and flows into the space between the radial outer wall of the VFD housing 300 and the air baffle 380 and flows onto the fins 390b extending from the VFD housing 300. This air flow then circulates radially outwardly between the outer wall of the housing 200 of the axial field rotating energy device and the air baffle 380 and flows onto the fins 390a extending from the housing 200 of the axial field rotating energy device.

[0051] FIG. 10B (and FIG. 10E of the reverse circulation pattern) shows another example of air circulation for the VFD implementation system 100 shown in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, the air baffle 380 extends substantially axially along and around the outer periphery of the housing 200 of the axial field rotating energy device, forming an air flow path around the housing 200. An air flow 360 is generated by the cooling fan 320 provided very close to the housing 200, and this air flow flows into the space between the outer wall of the VFD housing 300 and the air baffle 380 and flows onto the fins 390b. This air flow circulates radially outwardly between the outer wall of the housing 200 and the air baffle 380 and flows around the fins 390a. The air flow guided by the air baffle 380 is directed substantially axially along the outer periphery of the housing 200 in the space between the housing 200 and the air baffle 380. This air flow circulates around a second set of fins 390c extending from around the housing 200. Next, the air flow exits from the drive end of the VFD implementation system 100.

[0052] Figure 10C shows another embodiment of air circulation for the BFD implementation system 100 of FIG. 5. An air baffle 380 extends substantially axially along and around the outer periphery of the VFD housing 300, forming an air flow path around the VFD housing 300. An air flow 360 is generated by a cooling fan 320 provided very close to the VFD housing 300. This air flow enters the space between the outer wall of the housing 200 of the PM axial field rotary energy device and the air baffle 380 and flows around the fins 390a. Then, it flows radially outward between the outer wall of the VFD housing 300 and the air baffle 380 and flows around the first set of fins 390b. The air flow guided by the air baffle 380 changes its direction substantially axially and heads substantially axially along the outer periphery of the VFD housing 300 in the space between the VFD housing 300 and the air baffle 380. This air flow circulates around another set of fins 390d extending from around the VFD housing 300. Next, the air flow exits from the non-driven end of the VFD implementation system 100.

[0053] Figure 10D shows yet another embodiment of air circulation 360 for the BFD implementation system 100 of FIG. 5. An air baffle 380 extends substantially axially along and around the outer peripheries of the housing 200 and the VFD housing 300, forming an air flow path around both housings 200 and 300. An air flow 360 is generated by a cooling fan 320 provided very close to the VFD housing 300. This air flow enters the space between the outer periphery of the housing 200 and the air baffle 380, flows around the fins 390c, and is guided by the air baffle 380. Then, it flows radially inward between the VFD housing 200 and the air baffle 380 and flows around the fins 390a. The air flows radially outward between the VFD housing 300 and the air baffle 380 and flows around the fins 390b. The air flow guided by the air baffle 380 heads substantially axially along the outer periphery of the VFD housing 300 in the space between the VFD housing 300 and the air baffle 380. This air flow flows around the fins 390d and exits from the non-driven end of the VFD implementation system 100.

[0054] Figures 9 and 10A - 10E show some possible embodiments of the air flow for the VFD implementation system 100. Other embodiments of air circulation are possible, which are not described herein, having different combinations of cooling fan setting positions (e.g., positions very close to the housings 200, 300), and air baffle shapes (e.g., shapes extending axially along the housing 200, 300 or both). These examples include fins, but the fins may be provided only on the housing 200 or 300, or it is also possible to provide fins only on the outer periphery of the housings 200, 300.

[0055] The embodiments of FIGS. 5, 9 and 10A - 10D show embodiments of the VFD implementation system 100 with a housing conforming to the ingress protection rating IP55. It is also applicable to other ingress protection ratings such as IP56 and IP65.

[0056] FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a VFD implementation system 100 in which an axial field rotating energy device 110 and a VFD 120 are substantially axially aligned and arranged in different planes. Both can be implemented within a common housing 200 with an ingress protection rating of IP20. This housing 200 can constitute at least two separate spaces. One space can accommodate the axial field rotating energy device 100 and the other space can accommodate the VFD 120. In some embodiments, the axial field rotating energy device 110 can be provided between two disks 340 having a rotor with a first blade 315. When the rotor rotates, a first air flow 350 is generated by the first blade 315 and flows into the axial field rotating energy device 110 through a ventilation opening 355a circumferentially arranged with respect to the shaft 210 at the drive end of the housing 200. This air flows between the two disks 340 and radially over the PCB stator 115 and out of the housing 200 radially through the surrounding opening 365. In some embodiments, a second blade 320 can be attached to an extension (attachment portion) of the shaft or the like. When the rotor rotates, a second air flow 360 is generated by the second blade 320 and can flow into the housing 200 through a second set of ventilation openings 355b circumferentially arranged with respect to the shaft 210 at the non-drive end of the housing 200, flow into the volume portion accommodating the VFD 120, and flow out of the housing 200 radially through the surrounding opening 365.

[0057] In another embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the first air flow generated by the first blade 315 consists of two streams. The first stream 350a can flow into the axial field rotating energy device 110 through a ventilation opening 355a circumferentially arranged with respect to the shaft 210 at the drive end of the housing 200. The second stream 350b can flow into the axial field rotating energy device 110 through a ventilation opening 355b circumferentially arranged with respect to the shaft 210 at the non-drive end of the housing 200. These two streams merge at the first blade 315, flow between the two disks 340, flow radially on the surface of the PCB stator 115, and can flow radially out of the housing 200 through the surrounding opening 365. The second blade 320 is characterized by separating the second stream 350b of the first air flow from the second air flow 360 when the air flow flows into the housing 200 through the ventilation opening 355b.

[0058] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of a second blade 320 with some features. This second blade 320 has a hub 321, which has an axial bore for attachment to the shaft extension of the axial field rotating energy device. This hub 321 has a plurality of radial fins 322 and can support a substantially cylindrical tube 323 that is coaxial with the hub 321. The cylindrical tube 323 can support a plurality of radial fins or blades 324 that propel air radially when the blade 320 rotates, thereby generating the second air flow 360 shown in FIG. 12. There is a circumferential space between the hub 321 and the cylindrical tube 323, which serves as an opening 325 for the second stream of the first air flow 350b, so that, as shown in FIG. 12, this flow can move axially from the housing opening 355b to the first blade 315.

[0059] Returning to FIG. 12 for further explanation, the second air flow 360 generated by the blade 324 of the second blade 320 can flow into the housing 200 through a ventilation opening 355b circumferentially arranged with respect to the shaft 210 at the non-drive end of the housing 200. Next, this air flow can flow into the volume portion housing the VFD 120 and can flow radially out of the housing 200 through the surrounding opening 365.

[0060] In these embodiments, the ingress protection rating can be IP20, or other ingress protection ratings such as IP22, IP32, IP44, etc. For example, in these embodiments, a screen and / or a louver can be provided adjacent to the ventilation openings 355a and 355b.

[0061] In these embodiments, the second blade 320 can be attached to an extension of the shaft. In other embodiments, a fan operated by an electric motor provided in the housing 200 can be used. An air flow 360 is generated by this fan. In some embodiments, the second blade 320 and the shaft extension are not used.

[0062] In some embodiments, the blade 320 shown in FIG. 13 can generate a substantially axial air flow by its radial fins 322. Alternatively, the radial blades 324 can be configured as airfoils to generate a substantially radial air flow, or both can be used in combination.

[0063] In these embodiments, one or more of the four corners of the housing can be provided with cooling fin blocks 205 (see, for example, FIGS. 2 - 4 and FIG. 14). These cooling fin blocks 205 have features that facilitate attachment and / or alignment because they use machined surfaces 207 (FIG. 14) for fasteners, tapped holes 208, etc. In an embodiment, the cooling fin blocks 205 can be formed from modular blocks of heat - conductive metals such as aluminum or copper. These can be, for example, extruded, cast, or machined. The cooling fin blocks 205 are provided with openings or slits 206 at the base, so that the air flow 350 generated by the rotor blades can flow out of the housing 200. Since at least one of the cooling fin blocks 205 can be removed, other system elements can be attached to the assembly and another cooling method can be used.

[0064] In other embodiments, a cooling fin block 205 without a slit 206 can be formed at the base. When such a block 205 is attached to the housing 200, the opening of the housing 200 can be sealed at its corners. In such an embodiment, the ventilation openings 355, 356 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B at both ends of the housing 200 are no longer necessary. In such a case, the assembly can be completely sealed, and an ingress protection rating such as IP55 or IP56 can be achieved. These embodiments are desirable for applications such as installing the assembly in a hazardous environment such as a location defined in Class 1, Division 1 of the US Electrical Code.

[0065] FIG. 15 shows an embodiment in which an air inlet 410 is formed in one side portion of the housing 200 to allow cooling air to flow into the housing. For example, when ducts 420 are attached to two of the openings at the corners of the housing, an air outlet 430 can be formed, for example. The hot air coming out of the assembly can be directed to a convenient location such as outside the building or in an air plenum by this air outlet 430. In some embodiments, the remaining two corners of the housing 200 can be sealed with lids. These embodiments can also be implemented in other ways. For example, air ducts can be connected to all four openings of the housing, or three openings, or only one opening. In some embodiments, the cooling fin block and the air ducts may be used in combination, for example, by attaching them to the corners of the housing. In yet another embodiment, an air duct may be connected to an opening on the side of the housing rather than at the corner.

[0066] FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of a VFD mounting system with a first air duct 420 attached to two corners of the housing 200. This duct can direct hot air towards the heat exchanger 440. A second air duct 425 can return the cold air coming from the heat exchanger 440 to the housing. The remaining two corners can be sealed, for example, with lids. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger 440 may be an air / air heat exchanger or a water / air exchanger. Alternatively, it may have other suitable cooling media for cooling the air circulating through the assembly. In some embodiments, another set of ducts may be attached to one or more corners of the housing, for example, connecting a second heat exchanger thereto. In other embodiments, instead of at the corners, an air duct may be connected to an opening on the side of the housing.

[0067] All of the above embodiments can provide a flexible VFD mounting system with a structure and housing that enable appropriate combination of cooling schemes and cooling configurations as needed. The examples show only a very small number of possible combinations.

[0068] Other embodiments include one or more of the following configurations.

[0069] 1. A system comprising:

[0070] An axial field rotating energy device having an axis, a printed circuit board (PCB) stator, and a plurality of rotors each having a permanent magnet (PM), the rotors rotating about the axis relative to the PCB stator;

[0071] A variable frequency drive (VFD) having VFD components coupled to the axial field rotating energy device;

[0072] A housing that houses the axial field rotating energy device and the VFD and mounts the axial field rotating energy device and the VFD together.

[0073] A system having a cooling system mounted within the housing for cooling the axial field rotational energy device and the VFD.

[0074] 2. The system, wherein the cooling system has blades for cooling the system.

[0075] 3. The system, wherein the housing has an axial length and a radial width greater than this axial length with respect to the axis, and the housing has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed axially.

[0076] 4. The system, wherein the ratio of the radial width to the axial length is in the range of about 2:1 to about 20:1, and the shape of the housing when viewed axially is substantially square.

[0077] 5. The system, wherein VFD components are provided around and substantially in the same plane as the axial field rotational energy device with respect to the axis.

[0078] 6. The system, wherein the VFD components include a rectifier module, a DC bus, an inverter module, a control module, and an input / output (I / O) module.

[0079] 7. The system, wherein the VFD components have a line inductor.

[0080] 8. The system, wherein the inverter module has a wide bandgap switching device.

[0081] 9. The system, wherein the rectifier module and the DC bus have a first printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), the inverter module and the control module have a second PCBA, and the I / O module has a third PCBA.

[0082] 10. The system in which the VFD component has a line inductor as an assembly separate from the first, second, and third PCBA.

[0083] 11. The system in which the I / O module has a daughter PCBA configured to perform a customized communication function, and this daughter PCBA is detachably coupled to the third PCBA.

[0084] 12. The system in which the rectifier module, DC bus, inverter module, and control module have a first printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), and the I / O module has a second PCBA.

[0085] 13. The system in which the I / O module has a daughter PCBA configured to perform a customized communication function, and this daughter PCBA is detachably coupled to the second PCBA.

[0086] 14. The system in which the rectifier module, DC bus, inverter module, control module, and I / O module have a common printed circuit board assembly (PCBA).

[0087] 15. The system in which the I / O module has a daughter PCBA configured to perform a customized communication function, and this daughter PCBA is detachably coupled to the common PCBA.

[0088] 16. The system in which the housing has a housing for the axial field rotating energy device and the VFD, respectively.

[0089] 17. The system in which the housings are substantially axially aligned and coupled to each other.

[0090] 18. The system in which the housings are axially separated by an axial space, a cooling device is provided in this axial space, and the VFD housing has an access port configured to provide access to the VFD.

[0091] 19. The system in which the cooling device has a first blade configured to circulate a first air flow within the housing of the axial field rotating energy device located between the rotors, and a second blade configured to circulate a radial air flow inside and outside the axial space adjacent to the VFD within the axial space between the housings.

[0092] 20. The system in which each housing has fins extending into the axial space between these housings.

[0093] 21. The system in which the cooling device has blades and baffles configured to circulate an air flow that radially enters and exits the axial space between the housings with respect to the axis.

[0094] 22. The air baffle is an axial component element that extends axially along and around the outside of the housing, and has an axial component element that forms an axial air flow path between the axial component element and the housing. This air baffle further has a radial component element, and this radial component element extends radially within the axial space between the housings so as to form a radial air flow path between the radial component element and the housing.

[0095] 23. The cooling device is configured to circulate an air flow that flows into a first set of the radial air flow paths in the radial direction and flows through a second set of radial air flow paths, and this air flow flows out from the axial air flow path in the axial direction.

[0096] 24. The cooling device is configured to circulate an air flow that axially enters the axial air flow path and flows through all the radial air flow paths, and this air flow flows out from the system in the radial direction.

[0097] 25. The system in which the cooling device is configured to axially flow into the first set of the axial air flow paths and circulate an air flow flowing into the radial air flow paths, and the air flow axially flows out from the second set of axial air flow paths.

[0098] The terms used in this specification are for the purpose of describing only specific examples and embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. Also, the singular expressions used in this specification include plural expressions as well, unless otherwise specified. Terms such as "having" and "comprising" are inclusive expressions that identify the presence of the disclosed features, finished products, processes, operations, system elements, and / or constituent elements, but do not exclude one or more other features, finished products, operations, system elements, constituent elements, and / or groups thereof. The steps, processes, and operations in the methods used in this specification should not be construed as necessarily required in the specific order described and illustrated, unless otherwise specified as the order of performance. Of course, additional or alternative steps may be utilized.

[0099] When a system element or a layer is described as "present in", "engaged with", "connected to", or "coupled to" another system element or layer, this may be directly present, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other system element or layer, or there may be intervening system elements or layers. In contrast, when a system element is described as "directly present in", "directly engaged with", "directly connected to", or "directly coupled to" another system element or layer, no intervening system element or layer exists. Other terms used to describe the relationship between system elements should be interpreted in the same way (e.g., "between" vs. "directly between", "adjacent" vs. "directly adjacent", etc.). As used in this specification, the term "and / or" encompasses any one or more of the corresponding system elements and all combinations of the system elements.

[0100] Terms such as first, second, third, etc. can be used to describe various system elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, but these system elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one system element, component, region, layer, or section from other regions, layers, or sections. For numerical terms such as "first", "second", and other numerical terms, when used in this specification, unless otherwise specified, they do not imply an order or sequence. Therefore, the first system element, component, region, layer, or section described below is not a deviation from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments even if it is the second system element, component, region, layer, or section.

[0101] Spatially relative terms such as "inside", "outside", "below", "beneath", "lower", "above", "upper", "top", "bottom", etc. are used to facilitate the description of the relationship of one system element or feature to another system element (which may be plural) or feature part (which may be plural) as shown in the drawings. Spatially relative terms encompass different orientations of the device during use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the drawings. For example, when the illustrated device is turned upside down, a system element described as "below" or "beneath" another system element or feature part will be "above" this other system element or feature part. In addition, the device can be oriented (rotated to other orientation positions), and the spatially relative descriptions used in this specification should be interpreted in this way.

[0102] In this description in this specification, examples are used that explain embodiments including the best mode, as well as examples that enable those skilled in the art to practice the present invention. The scope that can be patented is described in the claims, and this scope encompasses other embodiments that those skilled in the art can conceive. For such other embodiments, as long as they have structural elements that do not deviate from the literal language of the claims, or as long as they have equivalent structural elements that are substantially not different from the literal language of the claims, they are included within the scope of the claims.

[0103] In the above specification, the technical idea of the present invention has been disclosed with reference to specific embodiments. However, those skilled in the art can make various changes and the like without departing from the scope of the invention described in the claims. Therefore, the specification and the drawings are for illustrative purposes and not for limiting purposes. Also, all these changes are included within the scope of the present invention.

[0104] Here, definitions will be given for some of the terms and phrases used in this specification. The term "communication" and its alternative terms encompass both direct communication and indirect communication. The terms "comprising" and "having" and their derivatives mean inclusive without limitation. The term "or" also means inclusive and means and / or. Also, the terms "related to" and its derivatives mean having, being included in, interconnected with, containing, being contained in, connected to, coupled to, communicable with, having a relationship with, intervening, juxtaposed, proximate, bound by, having, having characteristics, having a relationship, etc. Also, the phrase "at least one" when used with a list of system elements, etc., means that one or more different combinations of the listed system elements can be used, and also means that only one system element in the list is required. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" encompasses the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and any of A and B and C.

[0105] Furthermore, the various functions described herein can each be formed from computer-readable program code and executed and supported by one or more computer programs stored on a computer-readable medium. The terms "application" and "program" refer to one or more computer programs, software components, sets of instructions, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or portions thereof that can be executed in the computer-readable program code. The term "computer-readable program code" encompasses any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. Also, the term "computer-readable medium" includes any type of medium that a computer can access, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), hard disk drive, compact disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), solid state drive (SSD), and other types of memory. "Non-transitory" computer-readable media do not use wired communication links, wireless communication links, optical communication links, or other communication links that carry transient electrical signals or other signals. Non-transitory computer-readable media include media that can permanently store data and media that can store data and be overwritten later, such as rewritable optical discs or erasable memory devices.

[0106] Also, the singular form is used to describe the multiple system elements and components described herein. This is merely a convenience measure to clarify the scope of the invention as a whole. In this regard, it should be construed as having one or at least one, and unless otherwise specified, the singular form shall include the plural form.

[0107] For the descriptions in this application, no specific element, step, or function is meant to imply that it is an essential or critical element that must be included in the claims. The scope of the gist described in the claims is determined only by the allowed claims. Further, no claim invokes 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) with respect to the appended claims or claim elements unless the exact terms "means for" or "step for" are explicitly used in a particular claim and are followed by a participle that identifies the function.

[0108] Regarding specific embodiments, the effects, other effects, and problems to be solved have been described. However, for the effects, other effects, or problems to be solved that become clearer, none of them should be construed as critical, necessary, sacred, and essential features of any claim.

[0109] After a first reading of this specification, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that some features explicitly shown within the context of individual embodiments can also be provided in combination with a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described with the intention of brevity within the context of a single embodiment can also be provided individually or in any combination. Further, a reference to a numerical value within a range means that all numerical values within that range are included.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0110] 100 VFD implementation system 110 PM axial field rotating energy device 110 Axial flux PCB stator PM motor 115 PCB stator 120 VFD 121 Inverter module 122 Rectifier module 123 DC bus module 124 Control module 125 Input / output connection pair 126 Input / Output Connection Pairs / Communication Ports 127 Input Lines 128 Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) 129 PCBA 129 Rectifier and DC Bus Module 130 Line Inductor 131 PCBA 132 PCBA 135 PCB / PCBA 135 Assembly 140 Input / Output (I / O) Module 141 Control Interface 142 Input / Output Connection Part 143 Power Connection Part 144 Antenna 160 Cable Harness / PCB Fixed Terminal 170 Cable Harness 180 Electrical Connector 190 Connection Part 200 Housing 205 Cooling Fin Block 206 Slit 207 Surface 208 Hole 210 Shaft 220 I / O Pass-Through Part 220a Pass-Through Part 220b Pass-Through Part 230 Front Side Part 240 Lateral Side Part 250 Coupling Flange 300 VFD Housing 300a Surface 301 Partition Part 302 Cover 305 Volume Part 310 Bracket 315 First Blade 320 Cooling Fan 320 Second Blade 321 Hub 322 Fin 323 Cylindrical Tube 324 blades 325 opening 330 conduit 340 rotor / disk 345 second blade 350 first air flow 350a first fine flow 350b second fine flow 355 vent 355a ventilation opening 355b ventilation opening 356 vent 357 air baffle 360 second air flow / air circulation 365 opening 370 opening 380 air baffle 390a fin 390b fin 390c fin 390d fin 410 intake 420 duct 425 second air duct 430 air outlet 440 heat exchanger

Claims

**Claim 1**: An axial field rotary energy device having a plurality of rotors each having a permanent magnet (PM), an axis, and a printed circuit board (PCB) stator, wherein the rotors rotate about the axis with respect to the PCB stator, and a variable frequency drive (VFD) having VFD components coupled in a pair to the axial field rotary energy device, wherein each of the axial field rotary energy device and the VFD includes a housing, and there is a housing including these housings, the axial field rotary energy device and the VFD are housed together within the housing, the housings are substantially axially aligned and coupled to each other, and the housings are axially spaced apart from each other by an axial space, the housing of the VFD is configured to have an access port for accessing the VFD, a cooling system for cooling the axial field rotary energy device and the VFD is mounted within the housing, and a cooling device of the cooling system is disposed at a position between the plurality of rotors and includes first blades configured to circulate a first air flow within the housing of the axial field rotary energy device, and the cooling device further includes second blades located within the axial space between the housings to circulate a radial air flow inside and outside the axial space adjacent to the VFD characterizing the system. **Claim 2** The system according to claim 1, wherein the VFD components include a rectifier module, a direct current (DC) bus, an inverter module, a control module, and an input / output (I / O) module. **Claim 3** The system according to claim 2, wherein the VFD components include a line inductor. **Claim 4** The system according to claim 2, wherein the inverter module includes a wide bandgap switching device. **Claim 5** The system according to claim 2, wherein the rectifier module and the DC bus include a first printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), the inverter module and the control module include a second PCBA, and the I / O module includes a third PCBA. **Claim 6** The system according to claim 5, wherein the VFD component has a line inductor as an assembly separate from the first, second, and third PCBA.

7. The system according to claim 5, wherein the I / O module has a daughter PCBA configured to perform a customized communication function, and the daughter PCBA is detachably coupled to the third PCBA.

8. The system according to claim 2, wherein the rectifier module, DC bus, inverter module, and control module have a first printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), and the I / O module has a second PCBA.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the I / O module has a daughter PCBA configured to perform a customized communication function, and the daughter PCBA is detachably coupled to the second PCBA.

10. The system according to claim 2, wherein the rectifier module, DC bus, inverter module, control module, and I / O module have a common printed circuit board assembly (PCBA).

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the I / O module has a daughter PCBA configured to perform a customized communication function, and the daughter PCBA is detachably coupled to the common PCBA.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein each housing has fins extending into the axial space between these housings.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the cooling device has a baffle configured to circulate an air flow that radially enters and exits the axial space between the housings with respect to the axis.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the baffle has an axial component that axially extends along and around the outside of the housing and forms an axial air flow path between the axial component and the housing, and the baffle further has a radial component that radially extends within the axial space between the housings so as to form a radial air flow path between the radial component and the housing.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the cooling device is configured to cause an air flow that enters the first set of the radial air flow paths in the radial direction and circulates the air flow flowing through the second set of radial air flow paths, and this air flow flows out of the axial air flow path in the axial direction.

16. The system according to claim 14, wherein the cooling device is configured to cause an air flow that enters the axial air flow path in the axial direction and circulates the air flow flowing through all the radial air flow paths, and this air flow flows out of the system in the radial direction.

17. The system according to claim 14, wherein the cooling device is configured to cause an air flow that enters the first set of the axial air flow paths in the axial direction and circulates the air flow flowing through the radial air flow paths, and this air flow flows out of the second set of axial air flow paths in the axial direction.

18. An axial field rotary energy device having a plurality of rotors each having a permanent magnet (PM), an axis, and a printed circuit board (PCB) stator, wherein the rotor rotates about the axis with respect to the PCB stator, and a variable frequency drive (VFD) having a VFD component coupled in a pair to the axial field rotary energy device, wherein each of the axial field rotary energy device and the VFD includes a housing, and there is a housing including these housings, the axial field rotary energy device and the VFD are accommodated together in the housing, each of the housings is provided with fins, and each of these fins extends into the axial space between the housings, a cooling system for cooling the axial field rotary energy device and the VFD is mounted in the housing, the cooling system has a cooling device arranged in the axial space, and the cooling device has a baffle configured to circulate an air flow that enters and exits the axial space between the housings in the radial direction with respect to the axis, and The baffle is an axial component that extends axially along and around the outside of the housing, and has an axial component that forms an axial air flow path between the axial component and the housing. The baffle further has a radial component, and this radial component extends radially within the axial space between the housings so as to form a radial air flow path between the radial component and the housing. A system characterized by this.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the cooling device is configured to circulate an air flow that flows into the first set of the radial air flow paths in the radial direction and flows through the second set of radial air flow paths, and this air flow flows out from the axial air flow path in the axial direction.

20. The system according to claim 18, wherein the cooling device is configured to circulate an air flow that flows axially into the axial air flow path and flows through all the radial air flow paths, and this air flow flows out from the system in the radial direction.

21. The system according to claim 18, wherein the cooling device is configured to circulate an air flow that flows axially into the first set of the axial air flow paths and flows through the radial air flow paths, and this air flow flows out axially from the second set of axial air flow paths.

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