Integrated housing for a rotary electric machine and rotary electric machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rotary electric machine (1) having an integrated housing comprising a first housing part (2) and a second housing part (3) coupled to the first housing part (2). The first housing part (2) accommodates rotary electric machine components, and the second housing part (3) accommodates drive components. The first housing part (2) has, near one end thereof, a region R1 in which cooling channels are formed through which a coolant flows, and the second housing part (3) has, near one end thereof, a region R2 in which cooling channels are formed through which a coolant flows; wherein the regions R1 and R2 are formed such that, when the first and second housing parts (2, 3) are coupled, the region R1 faces the region R2.

Description

"INTEGRATED HOUSING FOR ROTATING ELECTRIC MACHINE AND ROTATING ELECTRIC MACHINE" Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronically commutated rotating electric machine and, more specifically, to an axial flux rotating electric machine. Fundamentals of the invention

[0002] The use of actuators, also called "drives," frequency converters, or frequency inverters, for controlling electrical machines in various industrial applications is well known in the state of the art. These devices offer high-performance and efficient drive solutions, increasing productivity and reliability in industrial processes.

[0003] For axial electromagnetic flux electric machines, the drives comprise independent equipment, having enclosures that can be installed on a wall or support base on the factory floor or industrial plant.

[0004] Axial electromagnetic flux electric machines are widely known in the art and basically comprise at least one stator and at least one rotor in the shape of a disc with permanent magnets, in which the electromagnetic flux travels axially along the rotating shaft of the machine. They can include both electric motors and electric generators.

[0005] One of the challenges associated with rotating axial electromagnetic flux electrical machines is related to the temperature reached by the machines. Therefore, it is common for such machines to feature a cooling solution with cooling channels for fluid passage through the internal components of the machine.

[0006] However, the issue of high operating temperature also makes any solution aimed at bringing the machine closer to the drive extremely challenging, since the high operating temperature could damage the drive components. If feasible, a closer connection between The machine and drive could result in a more compact design and eliminate the need for long cables or connectors.

[0007] In this regard, several solutions for cooling electric machines integrated with drive components are known in the state of the art.

[0008] Document EP3707805A1 shows an axial flux electromagnetic motor or generator with at least one rotor and at least one stator housed in a casing, the casing containing a cooling fluid circuit surrounding the motor, and the motor having electronic control and power means. The cooling circuit has a common element that cools at least one rotor and one stator on the one hand, and the electronic control and power means on the other.

[0009] Document US20230396130 A1 discloses an axial flux motor comprising a power inverter assembly. The motor comprises a cold plate that is disposed between the first stator and the power module assemblies of the assembly and includes a first side and a second side, opposite the first side. The cold plate cools the power module assemblies through the first side and the first stator through the second side.

[0010] Document CN117833585 A discloses a small-sized integrated electric propulsion motor that has a cover between the motor cavity and the controller cavity, which has a channel / coil for heat removal.

[0011] In state-of-the-art solutions, however, only one cooling circuit is used to cool both the machine components and the drive components. Therefore, such solutions make it difficult to operate the machine at high temperatures.

[0012] Thus, in the current state of the art, there is a need for a solution that integrates the drive and the rotating electrical machine, capable of reaching high temperatures without the machine's operating temperature damaging the drive components. OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0013] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a solution for integrating a rotating electric machine and a drive without the operating temperature of the machine damaging the drive components.

[0014] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a solution for integrating a rotating electric machine and a drive that allows the independent use of cooling fluids for the machine components and the drive components.

[0015] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a compact solution for the integration between a rotating electric machine and a drive.

[0016] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a thermally efficient solution for integrating a rotating electric machine with a drive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention relates to a rotating electric machine comprising a first housing part and a second housing part coupled to the first housing part, wherein the first housing part houses rotating electric machine components and the second housing part houses drive components.

[0018] The first part of the casing has, near one end, a region R1 in which cooling channels are formed through which a cooling fluid passes, and the second part of the casing has, near one end, a region R2 in which cooling channels are formed through which a cooling fluid passes.

[0019] Regions R1 and R2 are formed in such a way that, when the first and second carcass parts are coupled, region R1 faces region R2.

[0020] The first housing section has, in region R1, an inlet and an outlet for cooling fluid; and the second housing section has, in region R2, an inlet and an outlet for cooling fluid.

[0021] This feature of the present invention makes it possible for the cooling channels of regions R1 and R2 to be connected in series, but it also allows the channels to be operated in parallel, where independent cooling fluids are used in the channels of regions R1 and R2.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling fluid outlet of the first housing part is fluidically connected in series with The cooling fluid inlet of the second housing part; and the cooling fluid that cools the first housing part is used to cool the second housing part. In another embodiment, the cooling fluid outlet of the second housing part is fluidically connected in series with the cooling fluid inlet of the first housing part; and the cooling fluid that cools the second housing part is used to cool the first housing part.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, the first housing part is formed by two housing sub-parts, the second housing part is formed by two housing sub-parts, and the same housing sub-part of the second housing part, in which the cooling channels are formed, houses an electronic drive board.

[0024] In embodiments of the invention, regions R1 and R2 of the first and second housings in which cooling channels are formed each comprise a closing plate.

[0025] The cooling channels for regions R1 and R2 can be configured as serpentine channels. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The present invention will be described in more detail below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 - is a perspective view of the rotating electric machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 - is a side view of the rotating electric machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 - is a partially cutaway view of the rotating electric machine shown in Figure 2;

[0030] Figure 4 - is an exploded side view of the rotating electric machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 - is an exploded perspective view of the rotating electric machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0032] Figure 6 - is a perspective view of the rotating electric machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, being a part of Machine illustrated in transparency. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Figures 1 to 6 show an embodiment of the rotating electric machine according to the present invention.

[0034] Although the figures illustrate an axial flux electric motor, it should be understood that the present invention could be applied to any rotating electrical machine, such as, for example, an electric generator.

[0035] In this sense, the usual components of an axial flux electric machine – at least one stator and at least one disc-shaped rotor with permanent magnets – are known to those skilled in the art and, therefore, will not be described in detail here.

[0036] Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will also understand that an axial flux machine can have different topologies, such as one rotor and one stator, two rotors and one stator, or even more than two rotors and two stators.

[0037] Machine 1 of the present invention presents an integrated solution of electric machine and drive. Thus, machine 1 has a first housing part 2 and a second housing part 3 coupled to the first housing part 2, wherein the first housing part 2 houses rotating electric machine components and the second housing part 3 houses drive components.

[0038] As can be seen in the figures, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, the first and second housing parts 2, 3 are two-part structures, such that the first housing part 2 has housing subparts 2a and 2b and the second housing part 3 has housing subparts 3a and 3b. It should be understood, however, that the first and second housing parts could each have different constructions, such as, for example, a structure with a lid.

[0039] The first housing part 2 has, near one end, a region R1 where cooling channels are formed through which a cooling fluid passes, and the second housing part 3 also has, near one end, a region R2 where cooling channels are formed through which a cooling fluid passes. Regions R1 and R2 are formed in such a way that, when the first and second housing parts 2 and 3 are coupled, the region R1 faces region R2.

[0040] In this sense, the provision of channels with cooling fluid in regions R1 and R2 between the machine components and the drive components enables the efficient operation of the integrated machine.

[0041] As best illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the first housing part 2 has, in region R1, an inlet 4 and an outlet 5 for cooling fluid, so as to allow the cooling fluid to enter and exit the first housing part 2. The second housing part 3 has, in region R2, an inlet 6 and an outlet 7 for cooling fluid, so as to allow the cooling fluid to enter and exit the second housing part. It should be noted that the inlets and outlets could be reversed without detriment to the invention.

[0042] Thus, in the solution of the present invention, the cooling channels of regions R1 and R2 can be operated in series, where the same cooling fluid passes through both circuits, or in parallel. The parallel solution allows the use of independent cooling fluids for each circuit, enabling use in more severe temperature applications.

[0043] In fact, in one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid outlet 5 of the first housing part 2 can be fluidically connected in series with the cooling fluid inlet 6 of the second housing part 3, so as to allow the cooling fluid that cools the first housing part 2 to be used to cool the second housing part 3. The series connection has the advantage that it requires the use of a single connection system for the entire motor and drive assembly. This results in a more compact system for the hydraulic installation, as well as allowing the use of a simpler system for monitoring pressure, flow, and temperature. Furthermore, the choice of which housing part will initially receive the cooling fluid is random, and can be made, for example, from the second housing part 3 to the first housing part 2, without detriment to the invention.

[0044] In other embodiments of the invention, the inlets and outlets of the first and second housing parts could be fed in parallel, with different cooling fluids being used to cool the first and second housing parts. The parallel connection has the advantage of enabling... The use of distinct and independent cooling fluids for each part of the housing, so that each part has an isolated cooling circuit (without fluid communication between them). This solution has the benefit of reducing the temperature variation between the inlet and outlet of each independent fluid.

[0045] The cooling fluid can be any cooling fluid suitable for the application, such as water with an anti-corrosion additive or oil.

[0046] As shown in the figures, in the embodiment of the invention where the first and second housing parts 2, 3 are split structures, housing subpart 2b has region R1 and housing subpart 3b has region R2.

[0047] The sub-part of housing 3b of the second housing part 3 that has the R2 region is the sub-part of housing 3b that houses the drive components. Thus, as best illustrated in figures 3 to 5, sub-part of housing 3b houses the electronic board 8.

[0048] As best illustrated in Figure 2, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electronic board 8 is positioned adjacent to region R1, optimizing the cooling of the components.

[0049] In this sense, sub-housing 3b may have an outlet for connecting cables, in order to make the electrical connection between the drive and the machine. Similarly, sub-housing 3 could also include cable entry and exit holes.

[0050] As illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, in one embodiment of the invention, the housing ends containing regions R1 and R2 each comprise a closing plate 9, such that plate 9 acts as an insulator for the cooling fluid (only the closing plate of region R2 is shown in the figures). Each closing plate can be manufactured, for example, from steel and aluminum. In this embodiment, a sealing ring 10 can be provided to ensure the tightness of the assembly.

[0051] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the electric machine 1 with the first part of the housing 2 illustrated in transparency. In the embodiment of the invention shown in this figure, it is possible to visualize the cooling channels 11. formed in region R2, wherein, in this embodiment, such channels 11 are formed in a serpentine configuration. Although not illustrated in the figure, the cooling channels formed in region R1 could also be formed in a serpentine configuration. Naturally, in other embodiments of the invention, the channels could be formed in another shape or configuration, without prejudice to the inventive concept described herein.

[0052] As shown in the figures, the first housing part 2 that houses the electrical machine components may optionally comprise other cooling channels formed in other regions, without prejudice to the inventive concept described herein.

[0053] Having described an example of an embodiment of the present invention, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention encompasses other possible variations of the inventive concept described, being limited only by the content of the appended claims, including possible equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Rotating electric machine (1) comprising a first housing part (2) and a second housing part (3) coupled to the first housing part (2), wherein the first housing part (2) houses rotating electric machine components and the second housing part (3) houses drive components, characterized in that: the first housing part (2) has, near one end, a region R1 in which cooling channels are formed through which a cooling fluid passes and the second housing part (3) has, near one end, a region R2 in which cooling channels are formed through which a cooling fluid passes; and wherein the regions R1 and R2 are formed, such that, when the first and second housing parts (2, 3) are coupled, the region R1 faces the region R2.

2. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: the first housing part (2) has, in region R1, an inlet (4) and an outlet (5) for cooling fluid; and the second housing part (3) has, in region R2, an inlet (6) and an outlet (7) for cooling fluid.

3. Machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: the cooling fluid outlet (5) of the first housing part (2) is fluidically connected in series with the cooling fluid inlet (6) of the second housing part (3); and the cooling fluid that cools the first housing part (2) is used to cool the second housing part (3).

4. Machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: the cooling fluid outlet (7) of the second housing part (3) is fluidically connected in series with the cooling fluid inlet (4) of the first housing part (2); and the cooling fluid that cools the second housing part (3) is used to cool the first housing part (2).

5. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first housing part (2) is formed by two sub-parts of the housing (2a, 2b), the second housing part (3) is formed by two sub-parts of the housing (3a, 3b) and the same sub-part of the housing (3b) of the second housing part (3) in which the cooling channels are formed houses an electronic drive board (8).

6. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that regions R1 and R2 of the first and second housing parts (2, 3) in which cooling channels are formed each comprise a closing plate (9).

7. Integrated housing for a rotating electric machine comprising a first housing part (2) and a second housing part (3) coupled to the first housing part (2), wherein the first housing part (2) houses rotating electric machine components and the second housing part (3) houses drive components, characterized in that it comprises: wherein the first housing part (2) has, near one end, a region R1 in which cooling channels are formed through which a cooling fluid passes and the second housing part (3) has, near one end, a region R2 in which cooling channels are formed through which a cooling fluid passes; and wherein the regions R1 and R2 are formed in such a way that, when the first and second housing parts (2, 3) are coupled, the region R1 faces the region R2.

8. Housing according to claim 7, characterized in that: the first housing part (2) has, in region R1, an inlet (4) and an outlet (5) for cooling fluid; and the second housing part (3) has, in region R2, an inlet (6) and an outlet (7) for cooling fluid.

9. Housing according to claim 8, characterized in that: the cooling fluid outlet (5) of the first housing part (2) is fluidically connected in series with the cooling fluid inlet (6) of the second housing part (3); and the cooling fluid that cools the first housing part (2) is used to cool the second housing part (3).

10. Housing according to claim 8, characterized in that: the cooling fluid outlet (7) of the second housing part (3) is fluidically connected in series with the cooling fluid inlet (4) of the first housing part (2); and the cooling fluid that cools the second housing part (3) is used to cool the first housing part (2).

11. Housing, according to any one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that the first housing part (2) is formed by two housing subparts (2a, 2b), the second housing part (3) is formed by two housing subparts (3a, 3b) and the same housing subpart (3b) of the second housing part (3) in which the cooling channels are formed houses an electronic drive board (8).

12. Housing, according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the regions R1 and R2 of the first and second housing parts (2, 3) in which cooling channels are formed each comprise a closing plate (9).

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