Electric Machine Cooling via Segmented Through-Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for electric machines, such as those in wind turbines, are not effective in critical operating conditions, failing to adequately cool the components.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system with a circuit extending through channels adjacent to active rotor and stator sectors, utilizing a dedicated stream of cooling fluid that circulates through straight and annular channels, with a suction assembly to draw cooled air from the outlet, enhancing heat exchange with magnetized modules and fins for improved cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional cooling system is used for the electric machine, then the structure is simple, but the cooling effectiveness is insufficient in critical operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple through-channels, each adjacent to specific active rotor sectors or active stator sectors. This segmentation allows dedicated cooling streams for different components, improving cooling effectiveness for critical areas while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electric machine are provided with different cooling characteristics through the through-channel structure. Each through-channel is positioned adjacent to specific active rotor sectors or stator sectors, providing localized cooling where heat generation is most critical, thereby improving overall cooling effectiveness without uniformly increasing system complexity
2Temperature
If cooling fluid flows through channels adjacent to active sectors, then heat exchange is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional through channels and suction assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The through-channels serve multiple functions: they provide cooling fluid passage, act as structural support elements adjacent to active sectors, and facilitate heat exchange between the cooling fluid and the active rotor/stator sectors. This multi-functionality improves temperature control while minimizing the increase in device complexity by eliminating the need for separate dedicated cooling structures
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 system effectively cools active rotor and stator sectors by utilizing a dedicated stream of cooling fluid, improving heat exchange and maintaining component temperatures within safe limits even in critical operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the cooling system comprises a cooling circuit extending partly along a plurality of through channels adjacent to at least the active rotor sectors or the active stator sectors
Implementation Method 2
a cooling fluid, preferably air, circulates
Implementation Method 3
the cooling system comprises a suction assembly designed to draw cooling fluid from the outlet end of the plurality of through channels
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~8
AI summary
An electric machine and a cooling system for cooling the electric machine; the electric machine (6;206) comprising a stator (8; 208) comprising a stator supporting structure (11; 211) and a plurality of active stator sectors (16) supported by the stator supporting structure (11; 211), and a rotor (7; 207) which rotates about an axis of rotation (A2) and has a rotor supporting structure (10; 210) and a plurality of active rotor sectors (15) supported by the rotor supporting structure (10; 210); the cooling system (27; 127; 227) comprising a cooling circuit (28; 128; 128, 228) extending partly along a plurality of through channels (9, 19; 9, 19, 209, 19) adjacent to at least the active rotor sectors (15) or the active stator sectors (16); wherein the plurality of through channels (9, 19; 9, 19, 209, 19) extend, parallel to the axis of rotation (A2), between a cooling fluid inlet end (24) and a cooling fluid outlet end (25); wherein the cooling system (27; 127) comprises a suction assembly (29; 129) designed to draw cooling fluid from the outlet end (25) of the plurality of through channels (9, 19); the cooling circuit (28; 128) extending partly along the suction assembly (29; 129).