Coil Support Recesses for Rotating Machine Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
As rotating electrical machines increase in size to accommodate larger field coils for higher power output, it becomes challenging to provide sufficient airflow for cooling internal components due to the obstruction caused by the field coil support and additional electronics packages, leading to inadequate cooling.
Innovation Solution
A field coil support with a shank and base design that includes a plurality of recesses to increase airflow through the electrical machine, allowing for larger field coils while maintaining effective cooling by aligning the recesses with airflow openings to enhance airflow volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the field coil size is increased to provide increased power output, then the power output is improved, but the air flow area is reduced due to the larger support base blocking the cooling air passage
Solution Approach 1:
The base is segmented by providing recesses that divide the base structure into multiple sections. This segmentation creates multiple air flow passages through the base, allowing cooling air to pass through the base rather than being blocked by it. The recesses effectively split the solid base into a structure with through-flow channels, resolving the contradiction between maintaining a large support base for power output and preserving adequate air flow area for cooling.
2Volume of moving object
If the field coil support size is increased to accommodate larger field coils, then the field coil capacity is improved, but the cooling air passage is blocked leading to inadequate cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into multiple sections by recesses, creating through-flow passages that allow cooling air to penetrate the base structure. This segmentation enables the base to maintain its large volume for supporting bigger field coils while simultaneously providing multiple channels for cooling air flow, thus preventing blocking of the cooling air passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The recesses act as intermediary structures that facilitate the passage of cooling air through the base. Instead of the solid base directly blocking the air flow, the recesses create intermediate pathways that guide the cooling air from the rear air flow openings through the base to the front, maintaining cooling efficiency despite the increased base size.
3Power
If electronics packages are added at the back of the machine to support larger field coils, then the power capability is improved, but the air flow obstruction is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The recesses in the base create segmented air flow pathways that can route cooling air around and through the electronics packages located at the back of the machine. This segmentation of the base structure allows the cooling air flow to be distributed through multiple channels, reducing the overall obstruction effect of the electronics packages and maintaining adequate cooling for the enhanced power capability.
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
This design enables increased airflow through the electrical machine, effectively cooling internal components and extending their service life by accommodating larger field coils and electronics packages without compromising cooling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Air is typically drawn into the machine through air flow openings in the rear of the machine by a centrifugal fan located at the front of the machine. A base of a typical field coil support is located near a back wall of the machine.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a coil support for an electrical machine including a shank having a first outer diameter configured to support a field coil of the electrical machine and a base located at one end of the shank. The base has a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter and includes a plurality of recesses configured to increase a cooling flow through the electrical machine. Further disclosed is an electrical machine including the coil support and a method for cooling an electrical machine.