Ceramic Stator Sleeve for Cooling Fluid Sealing Without EM Losses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metal or carbon fibre sleeves used in electrical machines for containing cooling fluid around stator windings cause electromagnetic losses and undesirable heating due to their conductivity, reducing efficiency and posing a risk of damage.
Innovation Solution
A ceramic sleeve made of materials like zirconia, secured with O-ring seals, is used to seal the stator housing and contain the cooling fluid, minimizing electromagnetic losses and heating by using non-conductive materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal or carbon fibre sleeve is used to contain cooling fluid, then the sleeve has sufficient strength to contain high pressure cooling fluid, but the conductivity of these materials causes electromagnetic losses and undesirable heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conductive (metal or carbon fibre) to non-conductive (ceramic), fundamentally altering the electrical properties while maintaining mechanical strength through material selection rather than structural modification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ceramic material as a composite solution that combines the desirable properties of high strength and non-conductivity, replacing single-material solutions (metal or carbon fibre) with a composite material that inherently provides both required properties
2Reliability
If a metal or carbon fibre sleeve is used to contain cooling fluid, then the sleeve can retain cooling fluid effectively, but the conductivity causes undesirable heating of the sleeve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameter by selecting ceramic material with low electrical conductivity, which directly reduces resistive heating while maintaining the fluid containment function through appropriate material strength and sealing design
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The ceramic sleeve effectively seals the stator housing, reducing electromagnetic losses and heating, thereby enhancing the efficiency and durability of the electrical machine.
Implementation Method 1
a ceramic sleeve extending between the stator and the rotor. The cooling fluid is configured to surround and cool the stator during operation, and the ceramic sleeve seals the stator housing to contain the cooling fluid in the compartment
Implementation Method 2
The cooling fluid is configured to surround and cool the stator during operation
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an electrical machine comprising a rotor rotatable about a rotor axis, a stator surrounding at least a portion of the rotor, a stator housing defining a compartment containing the stator and a cooling fluid, and a ceramic sleeve extending between the stator and the rotor. The cooling fluid is configured to surround and cool the stator during operation, and the ceramic sleeve seals the stator housing to contain the cooling fluid in the compartment. The present disclosure also relates to an aircraft that uses the electrical machine to selectively drive a propulsion system thereof.