Conducting-Fluid Rotor Current Transfer With Sealed Dual Compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing current transferring devices for electric machines, particularly those using conducting fluids, are often bulky and susceptible to external influences, with mechanical slip rings having high losses and other methods like rotary transformers and capacitive power transfer being complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A compact current transferring device with a rotary bearing member containing separate compartments filled with conducting fluid, each connected to a rotor pole, and a non-rotary component sealing and connecting power connectors to the fluid, ensuring electrical insulation and reduced external interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If mechanical slip ring transferring is used, then current can be transferred from power source to rotor winding, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical slip ring system with an electromagnetic induction system. A stationary transformer primary winding generates a rotating magnetic field that induces current in a rotating secondary winding on the rotor, eliminating direct mechanical contact and reducing energy loss from friction and contact resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary to transfer energy from the stationary part to the rotating part. The transformer windings create a magnetic field that couples the stationary primary circuit with the rotating secondary circuit, enabling indirect energy transfer without mechanical contact.
2Loss of energy
If rotary transformer transferring is used, then current transfer efficiency improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the transformer and the rotor mounting structure into a single integrated assembly. The transformer core and windings are mounted directly on the rotor shaft, allowing the same structure to serve both as the rotating support and the transformer assembly, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the stationary transformer housing with the motor housing and integrates the rotor mounting structure with the transformer core support. This consolidation of multiple components into unified structures reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall device architecture.
3Ease of operation
If conducting fluid is used for current transfer, then current can be transferred through fluid, but the structure becomes bulky and susceptible to external influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a sealed housing structure to contain the conducting fluid within the transformer assembly. The housing acts as a protective barrier that prevents the fluid from being affected by external environmental factors while maintaining the electrical conductivity function.
Solution Approach 2:
The conducting fluid is enclosed in a sealed environment within the transformer housing, creating an isolated system that is insensitive to external atmospheric conditions. This encapsulation protects the fluid from contamination and external interference while maintaining its current transfer function.
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 solution provides a more reliable and compact current transfer mechanism that minimizes external influences, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of electric machine operations while reducing structural complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first compartment filled with a conducting fluid, the first compartment having a first opening and a rotor positive connector that is in electrical contact with the conducting fluid therein
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a current transferring device for an electric machine comprising a rotary bearing member fixed in a rotor shaft and rotating with it and a non-rotary component. The rotary bearing member includes a first compartment filled with a conducting fluid and having a first opening and a rotor positive connector that is in electrical contact with the conducting fluid therein and electrically connected to a rotor positive pole, and a second compartment filled with a conducting fluid and electrically insulated from the first compartment and having a second opening and a rotor negative connector that is in electrical contact with the conducting fluid therein and electrically connected to a rotor negative pole. The non-rotary component closes the first and second openings.